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K E P O E T 



BI-CENTEMIAL JUBILEE 



]i^IR^T j^IoNQF^EQATIONAL j^HUI^CH, 



WOODBURY, CONN., 



Held May 5th, 1870. 



By \VILLIAM COTHREN. 



NEW HAVEN. 

i. H. BENHAU & SON, PRINTEKS, COR. CUCECII AND CHAPEL STREETS. 
1870. 



p 



ONTENTS. 



Page. 

Address at Communion — Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, . • . .24 

" " Rev. Wm. K. Hall, .... 24 

OF Dedication— William Cothben, . . . . .28 

" Rev. Tuomas L. Shipman, ...... 56 

" Greeting — Ket. Horace Winslow, . . . . .37 

Church — Annual Meeting of, . . . . . . . 5 

Votes of, . . . . . . . . . Gi 

Covenant of 1(5"0, ........ 10 

Communion Services, . . . . . . . . .23 

Collation, . . . . . . . . . . ' 26 

Conclusion, .......... 64 

Cake Presentation, ........ 60 

Committee — General, Appointment of, . . . . . .5 

Finance, " ...... 7 

On Decorations, Appointment of, . . . . .7 

On Floral Decorations, Appointment of, ... 7 

On Refreshments, Appointment of, . . . .7 

Decorative Artist, " .... 7 

Votes of General, . . . . . . .6 

Decorations of the Church, ....... 10 

Dedication of Fathers' Monument, . . . . . .26 

Dedicatory Prayer — Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, .... 27 

Address — William Cothren, . . . . .28 

PoEU— Rev. Wm. T. Bacon, '. . . . .32 

Hymn — William Cothren, . . . . . .34 

Closing Prayep.^Rbv. Austin Isham, .... 35 

Dkscbiption of Monument, . . . . . ' . 26 

Deacons — List of, . . . . . . . .11 

Discourse — Bi-Ckntennial — Rev. Guedon W. Noyes, . . . .14 

Hy'mn at Communion, . . . . . . . .23 

of Dedication, . . . • • • • .34 

Introduction, ......... 5 



IV CONTENTS. 

Pace. 

Letters of the CHiiRrn, , . . . . . . 6, (jii 

Eev. Joskph Bellamy, . . . . . . 45, 4G 

Miss Charlotte E. Andrew, . . . . . .GO 

Kev. Philo Judson, ....... 60 

Rev. Charles Little, . . . . • • . h^ 

Eev. Charles E. Eobinson, . . . . . . ;")8 

Eev. Egbert' G. Williams, . . . . . .63 

Prooraume, ......... 8 

Prater— Opening — Eev. Gurdon W. Noyes, . . . . .13 

Concluding — Eev. John Churchill, .... 23 

Of Dedication — Eev. Thomas L. Siiipman, . . . .27 

Afternoon Opening — Eev. Austin Isham, ... 35 

" Concluding — Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, . . .61 

Responses — Stratford — Rev. Wm. K. Hall, . . . . .39 

SouTHBi'RY — Eev. A. B. Smith, . . . . .42 

Bethlehem— Eev. George W. Banks, .... 45 

Judea— Rev. W. S. Colton, . . . . . .48 

RoxBURY — Rbv. a. Goodenough, ..... 51 

South Britain — Rev. H.,S. Newcomr, . . . .52 

Woodbury North — Rev. John Churchill, ... 54 

Sentiments — Stratford, . . . . . . . .38 

Southburt, ........ 43 

Bethlehem, . . . . . . . .44 

Jcdea, . . . . . * . . .48 

RoXBURY, . . . , . . . .51 

South Britain, . . . . . . .52 

Woodbury North, . . . . . . .54 



NTRODUCTION 



For several years past it had been a matter of consultation and 
agreement between the writer and Dea. PniLO M. TuowBKiixiK, 
that when the Bi-Centennial year of the existence of our Cluirch 
approached, they would suggest to the brethren the desirability of 
a proper observance of its natal day. It Avas thought to be appro- 
priate to celebrate so joyous an anniversary. It was believed to 
be Avell to set up a monument to mark the passage of the ages. 
It was thought fitting that the Church, which had for two hundred 
years acknowledged the same coniession of faith, and " owned the 
same covenant," written and adopted by the fathers by the shores 
of Long Island Sound, taken " from out the Word," should, with 
devout joy and thanksgiving, render praise to Almighty God for 
all His wonderful mercies toward it. We could do no less than 
to render thanks to the Lord. It seemed to redound' to His glory 
and our great good. 

In accordance Avith these vieAvs the subject Avas brought l:)efore 
the Church, and the following action was taken by it and the 
Committee of its appointment : 

"Annual Meeting of the Fikst Congregational Chukch, 

Sept. 16, 1869. 

" Voted, That Deacons Trowbi-idge and Linsley, and Brother 
William Cothren be a Committee with power to make full arrange- 
ments for a public observance, on the fifth day of May next, of the 
Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the organization of this Church." 

The Committee held its first formal meeting February 22, 1870, 
and, after due consideration, 

" Voted, That it is inexpedient to occupy more than one day with 
the exercises contemplated in tlie action of the Church. 

" Voted, That the Mother Church, at Stratfoi-d, and the six 
daughters of this, be invited to be present, and participate in the 
exercises. 



() ('OMMITTKK MKKIINCS. 

'■'■^"(>frJ, That the inoniiiio; oxcrciscs coiiiinciicc at ten o'clock, 
A. M., :uhI tlie order l)c tliat of llic Sabbatli, followed Ity the 
communion. 

'•'■ Voted, That the Pastor be invitcMl to deli\er tlie sermon, and 
that he invite the Pastor of the Church at Stratford to assist him 
at the Communion. 

" Voted, That the Deacons of the Mother Church, of this, and 
tlie North Church, pass the emblems at the Communion. 

" Voted, That these exercises close at twelve o'clock, M., and 
that forty-five minutes be here given for refreshments, 

" Voted, That the dedicatory exercises at the Fathers' Monument 
consist of a Prayer, an Address, and a Poem, and that they occupy 
half an hour, in the whole." 



COMMITTICE MeKTIXG, FeU. 28, 1870. 

" Voted, That the P. M. exercises commence fifteen minutes be- 
fore two o'clock, and that they consist of— 1. Prayer ; 2. Address 
of greeting ; 3. Response from the Mother Chnrch, and also from 
each of the other churches invited; 4. Addresses from ex-ministers 
of this church, and others, reading of letters, &c. 

" Voted, That the chairman report the preceding to the Church 
on Friday of the present week, for its amendment and approval. 
It Avas reported, and was adopted." 



COAIMITTEE JMeETING, MarCH 21, 1870. 

" Voted, That Brother Cothren be instructed to prepare sentiments 
for responses from each of the churches invited." 

The Chairman was directed to issue the following letter to the 
Church at Stratford, and attend to all necessary correspondence 
resulting therefrom. 

First Cougregatlonal CJmrch in Woodhiwy to the Congrega- 
tional Church in Straiforel: 

Dear Brethren: — You, the Mother Cliurch of this, are hereby 
invited to meet with us, by Pastor and Deacons, at least, at ten 
o'clock, A. M., on Thursday, the lifth day of VI ay next, and partici- 
pate iu the exercises of the Twa Hundredth Anniversary of the 
organization of this Church. 



APPOINTMENT OF (JOM.AlITTEliS. 7 

We have invited the following Churches, all (laughters of this, 
A iz : the Cougregational Churches of 8outhbury, Bethlehem, 
Washington, Ivoxbury, South Britain and the North Church in 
Woodbury. 

P. M. Tkowrridc^e, j 

J. II, LiNSLEY, > Committee. 

WlLLIAir COTUREN, ) 

WooDiuTRY, March 25, 1870. 

The Chairman was also instructed to issue letters of like import 
to the other Churches. 

The following ladies were appointed — 

COMMITTEE ON DECORATIONS: 
Mrs. William Cotiiren, Mips Julia Bull, 

Mrs. Henry Lambeet, Mrs. E. Bexiia^f, 

Mrs. Col. N. Smith, Miss Emily Curtiss, 

Miss Helen L. Sedgwick. 

The following gentlemen were appointed — 

FINANCE COMMITTEE: 
C. W. Kirtland, W. S. Curtiss, 

Geo. DeForest. 

The following gentlemen were appointed — 

COMMITTEE ON REFRESHMENTS, &c. 
Ja:\ies H. Linsley, Horace D. Curtiss, 

William Smith, Horace Minor. 

COMMITTEE ON FLORAL DECORATIONS. 

Kate M. Woodruff, Hattie Judson, 

Mrs. Susan E. Shove. 

DECORATIVE ARTIST. 
Henry C. Curtis, Hartford, Conn. 

The programme for the occasion, as finally arranged and agreed 
U[ion, was as follows, viz : 



rRO(;RAM:NrE of exercises. 



BI-CENTENNIAL 



Woodbury, fVSay 6, 1870. 



FRO G-K A M M E . A.M. 

EXERCISKS WILL COMMENCE PRECISELY AT TEN o'cLOCK, A. M., AND WILL BE A3 

FOLLOWS : 

1. The Congregation will unite in singing — 

"PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW." 

2. READING OF SCRIPTURE, . . . . By the Pastor 

3. PRAYER, By THE Pastor 

4. SINGING. HYMN 339. 

5. SERMON, ....... By the Pastor 

6. PRAYER, ..... Rev. John Churchill 

7. BENEDICTION. 

Recess of Five Minutes. 

8. COMMUNION, Rev. Messrs. G. W. Notes and Wm. K. Hall, ofBciating. 

9. RECESS of forty-five minutes for Collation at Town Hall. 

10. DEDICATION OF FATHERS' MONUMENT, at fifteen minutes before 
one o'clock. These exercises will consist of 
1. DEDICATORY PRAYER, . . Rev. Thomas L. Shipman 



ADDRESS, 

POEM, 

HYMN, 



5. BENEDICTION. 



. William Cothren 

. Rev. W. T. Bacon 

William Cothren 

. Rev. Austin Isham 



PROGRAMME OF EXERCISES. 



PROG^RAMME. P. M. 

THE SERVICES AT THE CHURCH WILL BK RESUMED AT FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE TWO 
o'clock, r. M., AND WILL BE 

t 

1. SINGING. HYMN 329. 

2 PRAYER.. ...... ^E-v. Austin Isham 

3. SINGING. 

4. GREETING, ...... Rev. H. Winslow 

5. SENTIMENT— STRATFORD, - Response by Rev. W. K. Hall 

6. SINGING. HYMN— THE PILGRIMS. 

1. SENTIMENT— SO UTIIBURY. . Response by Rev. A. B. Smith 

8. SINGING. 

9. SENTIMENT— BETHLEHEM. Response by Rev. Geo. W. Banks 

10. SENTIMENT— JUDEA. . . Response by Rev. W. S. Colton 

11. SINGING. 

12. SENTIMENT— ROXBURY. . Response by Rev. A. B. Goodenpugh 

13. SINGING. 

14. SENTIMENT— SOUTH BRITAIN. Response by Rev. H. S. Newcomb 

15. SINGING. HYMN— Our Fathers' God is with us. 

16. SENTIMENT— NORTH WOODBURY. Response by Rev. John Churchill 
n. SINGING. 

18. READING OF LETTERS, &c. 

19. CONCLUDING PRAYER. . . , . Rev. G. W. Noyes 

20. DOXOLOGY. 

21. BENEDICTION. 



All the committees, under the inspiration of the general commit- 
tee, performed their several duties with alacrity, fidelity and 
ability, and every thing was " made ready " for the successful inau- 
guration of the interesting ceremonies of the approaching jubilee. 

2 



10 THE C'OVENA>'T OF 1G70, 

With the aid of the ready liands and executive ability of the 
ladies, the church was most beautifully decorated by Mr. Henry 
C. Curtis, a special artist, of Hartford. A more striking and ap- 
propriate mode of decoration could not have been devised, than that 
adopted by Mr. Curtis, whether considered historically or artisti- 
cally. It is a remarkable fact that the first four pastors of the 
church occupied the pulpit, in the aggregate, the long period of 
172 years, out- of the two hundred celebrated. We think this a 
length of time unparalleled in the history of the churches in this 
country. This fact was beautifully represented by introducing 
the four names; VValker, StLuldard, Benedict and Andrew, into a 
large cross composed of six circles, the names occupying four of 
the six circles, " 172 years" the center, and a cross the lower circle, 
f his was placed in the recess behind the pulpit. Beneath the 
cross were two tablets, the one containing the " covenant of 1670," 
and the other the names of the original signers. 

THE COVENANT OF 1670. 

" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being (by y*" all-dis- 
posing providence of God, who determines y" bounds of men's 
habitations) cast into co-habitation on w'" another, and being sensi- 
ble of o' duty unto God, and one to another, and of o' liableness 
to be forgetfuU, and neglective of y" one and y'' other, do hereby 
(for y* further incitent of o''selves unto duty in either respect) 
solemnly give up o'selves & ours unto y'' lord, engaging o'selves by 
his assisting grace to walk before him, in y' religious observance of 
his revealed will, as far as it is or shall be made known unto us. 
We do also in y° presence of God solemnly ingage o'selves each 
to other to walk together in church-society, according to the rule of 
y" gospell, jointly attending all y* holy ordinances of God, as far as 
it shall please him to make way thereunto, and give opportunity y° 
of : and walking on w"' another in bro herly love, & chtian wachfull- 
ness for o' mutual edification, and furtherance in y" way to salvation. 
And jointly submitting o'selves & ours to y° goverment of Cht in his 
church, in y" hand of such church governours, or officers as shall be 
set over us, according to gospell institution. The good lord make us 
faithfuU in covenant with him & one w"" another, to walk as becomes 
a people near unto himself, accept of y" offering up of o'selves, & 



DEACONS OF FIIJST AND SECOND CENTURIES. 



11 



ours unto him and establish both us and y" to be a people unto him- 
self in his abundant mercy through cht jesus, who is o'' only mediato' 
in whom alone we expect acceptance, justification and salvation : to 
him be glory & praise through all ages. Amen. 

The names of y" persons y' subscribed this covenant, & again 
publickly owned it, May 5th, viz : y^ day of my ordination were as 
followeth : 



Zechariah Walker, 
Samuel Sherman, Sen', 
Joseph Judson, Sen', 
John Hurd, Sen', 
Nicholas Knell, 
Robert Clark, 
John Minor, 
Samuel Sherman, Jun', 
John Whkioler, 
Samuel Stiles, 



Hope Washborn, 
Hugh Griffin, 
Ephraim Stiles, 
John Thompson, Jun', 
Theophilus Sherman, 
Matthew Sherman, 
John Judson, 
Samuel Mils, 
Benjamin Stiles, 
Edward Shermond, 



Persons since added . 



John Skeeles, 
Israel Curtiss, 
Thomas ffairechilde, 



Richard Butler, 
Robert Lane, 
Moses Johnson, 



Richard Harvy. 

Between the tablets was the name of the present pastor, Rev. 
Gurdon W. Noyes, in golden letters. At the apex of the recess 
above the pulpit was an elegant golden cross and erown. At the 
top of the pillars on either side of the pulpit, was a large golden 
" C," on which appeared the years 1670 — 1870, under which, 
respectively, was a list of the deacons of the first and second 
centuries, on tablets upon the pillars : 



Deacons of the \st Century. 

Hon. John Minor, 
Samuel Miles, 
Matthew Sherman, 
Hon. John Sherman, 
Matthew Mitchell, 
Z. Walker, Jr., 
Samuel Sherman, 
Samuel Minor, 
Jehu Minor, 
Hon. Daniel Sherman, 
Gideon Stoddard, 



Deacons of the 2d Century. 

Clement Minor, 
Josiah Minor, 
Matthew Minor, 
Daniel Huntington, 
Nathan Atwood, 
Ens. Seth Minor, Jr., 
Benjamin Judson, Jr., 
Judson Blackman, 
Eli Summers, 
Truman Minor, 
P. M. Trowbridge, 
J. H Linsley. 



12 DKCOKATIOXS OF THE CHURCH. 

On the panels of the gallery face were the names of the mother 
church at Stratford, and the six churches which have gone out from 
the first church, with the date of tlieir organization, viz : Stratford, 
1G39; Southlmry, ]7:31 ; Bethlehem, 1739 ; Judea, 1V41; Roxbury, 
1748; South Britain, 176G ; and North Woodbury, 1816. On the 
two panels nearest the judpit were the names of the ])astors succeed- 
ing tlie first four, viz : — Wright, Strong, Curtis,Williains, llobinson, 
Little and Winslow. A beautiful wdiite dove was suspended from 
the pulpit desk beneath the bible, which, Avith outstretched Avings, 
seemed to be alighting upon the commi;nion table below. The 
pulpit was splendidly decorated. Festoons extended from the cor- 
ners of the church to the center ornament in the ceiUng, whence 
descended a large anchor, beautifully wreathed in evergreens and 
flowers, while wreaths ran along the galleries, over and below the 
recess, and to the letter " C " at the caps of the pillars, above whicdi 
appeared two century plants. The whole was completed with tlie 
mottoes "Welcome," and "We Greet You." Throughout the 
house, in the lamp brackets, were vases and baskets of flowers and 
drooping plants, producing the finest and most artistic effect. 

The clearest and balmiest day of the year heralded the coming 
exercises. We could but feel and see the favoring smile of that 
good Providence, wdio has so wisely and tenderly watched over 
this church during the two centuries of its existence. At an early 
hour, the people of this and the neighboring towns began to assem- 
ble, the streets were lined with vehicles of every description which 
had come from the hills and valleys of the " ancient town," and 
the church was almost immediately filled to its utmost capacity. 
Settees and chairs Avere carried into the aisles above and below. 
The vestibule and every place where standing room could be found 
were immediately filled, while there was a large crowd without, 
Avhich could gain no admission. There must have been more than 
1,500 people in attendance. As a test of this estimate, it may be 
remarked, that 1,000 collation tickets had been issued, and yet it 
became necessary for the committees to admit large numbers, who 
had not been provided with tickets. 

Pursuant to the admirably arranged programme of Dea. P. M. 
Trowbridge, chairman of the general committee, the exercises com- 
menced precisely at 10 A. M., by the great congregation rising and 
sindns; " Praise God from whom all blessings flow." The reading 



OPENING PRATER. i" 

of ati approjiviate selection of scripture, and prayer by the pastor 
next followed, after wliicli the cono-regation sang tlie old, familiar 
hyum,— " Ye tribes of Adam join," &(i. This was followed by a 
carefully prepared historical sermon by the pastor, of great beauty 
and excellence, briefly narrathig the history of the churcli and its 
])astors for two hundred years. 

OPEXING PRAYER. 

O Lord, Thou alone art great — glorious — good ! Hence we 
would adore and serve Thee. Our fathers worshiped in this moun- 
tain ; but the fathers, where are they ? And the Prophets — do they 
li\ e forever V Alas ! Alas ! We do all fade as a leaf Thou carriest 
us away as with a flood. We spend our years as a tale that is told. 
But Tliou art the same and of Thy years theie is no end. Thou 
lia<t been the dwelling place of Thy people in all generations. 
Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou liadst formed 
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou 
art God ; and Thou hast ever had thoughts of mercy and love 
toward the children of men. We praise Tliee for their early mani- 
festation in the predictions of Thy word and in the advent of Jesus 
Christ Thy Son and our Savior. We adore Thee for the Church 
set up in His name and which is graven upon the palms of Thy 
hands, guarded by Thy power, guided by Thy wisdom and against 
which Thou hast said the gates of liell shall never prevail. We 
especially praise Thee at this time for Thy guidance and care of our 
ancestors in planting a branch thereof in tliis place. Thou didst 
cause them to go forth like a flock. Tliou didst cast out the heathen 
l)efore them and divided them an inlieritance by line. The wilder- 
ness and solitary place soon became glad for them, and the desert 
rejoiced and blossomed as the rose. They trusted in Thee and 
Thou didst deliver them from fears and foes ; didst prosper the 
work of their hands. Yea, Thou didst cause the little one to 
become a thousand and the small one a strong nation. In conse- 
quence of their faith, forecast, labor, the lines have fallen to us in 
pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage. We have pleas- 
ant and fruitful fields, quiet and ha])py homes, rich and rare, civil, 
educational and religious privileges. Gathered here in Thy Sanctu- 
ary after the lapse of centuries to review the history of Thy deal- 
ings, we find that goodness and mercy followed our fathers and 



14 r.I-CKXTKNNIAT- DISlOUKSK. 

have follow('<l us. We Avould tliereibre '^recall tlieir virtues and 
catch a new impulse trom all that was noble and Christ-like in their 
example and strive to perfect and per])etuate their work. We 
know O Lord that it is Thy will, that one generation should praise 
Thy works to another and abundantly utter the memory of Thy great 
goodness that men may set their hope in Thee. We ])raise Thee 
for our free government and beneficient institutions, with the 
righteous peace vouchsafed unto us. We entreat Thy blessing upon 
our President and all in authority in State and Nation, that we 
may lead (juiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. 
We piay Thee to bless our Colleges, Schools, Churches, that the 
Gospel may permeate the land and drive out from it, all ignorance, 
error, vice, irreligion, and make us a people to Thy praise. And 
we beseech Thee to send tiie disentliralling life-giving Gospel 
over the Globe, that Jesus may speedily have the heathen for his 
iidieritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. 
And now, O Lord, we humbly invoke Thy presence and blessing 
during this sacred Jubilee. Smile upon the associated Churches 
hei'e represented, and those who are to take part in these exercises 
that they may utter fitting and forceful words, for our profit and 
Thy Glory. O Lord, shine Thou upon us from Thy Throne of light 
and love. Yea grant us the favor which Thou bearest unto Thy 
l^eople through Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Redeemer. Anieyi. 



BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE. 



BY THE KKV. GURDUX W. NOYKS. 



" I HAVE CONSIDEUKD THE DAYS OF OLD : THE YEARS OK ANCIENT TIMES." — Psalm VY: 5. 

To many in this age there is little enchantment in the distant 
past. The present is so full of duty and enjoyment, and the future 
is so bright with hope and j^romise, that they readily forget " The 
days of old, the years of ancient times." Hereby they lose much 
of help and cheer in their life-work. It is, as we trace our connec- 
tion with departed worthies, and realize our indebtedness to them 
for present privileges and blessings, that we are incited to emulate 
their virtues, and fitly labor for posterity and Heaven. To-day this 
church completes a history of two hundred years. Within this 



BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOUFSE. 15 

period great events hare transpired on this globe in rapid succes- 
sion ; events which have changed the entire face of human society. 
Empires have been built up and cast doAvn ; nations have been 
born and buried ; modes of government, and systems of opinion, 
have flourished and decayed, and yet amid all these changes, this 
chiirch has continued steadfast in its faith and worship. Its found- 
eis ere long passed awiiy, but they left behind a godly seed, and 
so from generation to generation this candlestick of the Lord has 
been kept in its place, and from it has ever shone forth the pure 
light of the Gospel. It is a fitting time to trace its course, recall 
the bright names identified with it, and note Heaven's favor toward 
it. The church and congregation of to-day, on whom has devolved 
the duty of arranging this celebration, do here aud now, through 
me, most heartily welcome to these sacred festivities all who are 
drawn hither by filial or fratenial atTection. Let us together scan 
the wi!?dom and love of God in planting this goodly vine near the 
Indian wigwam, and keeping it in such vigorous growth down the 
ages, and join our earnest petitions that it may continue to flourish 
in the future, ever covering the hills with its shadow, and extend- 
ing its boughs like goodly cedars. 

The church has been signally fortunate in receiving one from 
another State, William Cothren, Esq., who, in filial love, and with 
great skill and fidelity, has written her history, and that of the 
town as well. In this, her records, and kindred sources, I have 
found such rare and rich materials for a historic sketch, as to be 
puzzled in deciding what to leave out, so as to bring it within 
proper limits, and have it symmetrical and just. Aiming only at 
impartiality, peitinence, accuracy, I frankly submit my work to 
your kind and Chiistian consideration. In 1650 the churches of 
New England began to be agitated by what was termed the half- 
way covenant system. By this system persons of good moral char- 
acter, recognizing baptism, assenting to the creed, and signifying 
their intention of becoming true Christians, were admitted to all 
the rights and privileges of church members, except partaking of 
the Lord's Supper. Controversy rose to such a pitch upon the 
matter, that a council of leading ministers convened in Boston, in 
1647, to deliberate upon it, and they decided in its favor. The 
church in Stratford did not believe in the practice, and would 
not adopt it, even after the decision. A respectable minority, 



16 r.I-CEXTKXXlAI, DiscounsE. 

however, clung to it, ami wore uneasy at its disrcffard, and the 
more so as they felt that it was largely owi}ig to the influence of 
Mr. Cbauneey, who had been recently settled against their wi-^lies. 
By earnest argument, and fraternal remonstrance, they sought to 
secure accordance of view s, or if not that, an arrangement by 
which each i)arty could have its own minister, and worship at dif- 
ferent hours of the Sabbath in the same sanctuary. According to 
the custom of the day, the aid of the general court was called in. 
The discussion was keen and sjiii-ited on both sides, though digni- 
fied and courteous. As the result, early in 1668, the minority had 
the civil sanction to obtain their own minister, and had three 
hours of the Sab1)ath to worship in tlie sanctuary. The}^ soon 
engaged Kev. Zechariah "Walker, a licentiate from Jamaica, L. I., 
to act as their pastor. P>ut their position was still unpleasant and 
unsatisfactory, as the other party would allow them no use of the 
church, and spoke of their unordained minister to his and their 
disparagement. So, despairing of any agreement, they detei'- 
mined to set up for themselves. They appointed a day for the 
purpose, and spending most of it in prayer for the Lord's guidance 
and blessing, they entered into solemn covenant with God, and 
one another. Then calling neighboring churches together, and 
renewing that covenant, which is a model for brevity, scriptural- 
ness and beauty, they were constituted the second church in Strat- 
ford, on May 5th, 1670, and Mr. Walker was ordained their pastor. 
Twenty males comprised the church at its outset. Some of them 
forecasting separation as the probable relief from their difliculties, 
had made provision for a new sphere for growth and enjoyment, 
by applying to purchase lands of the Indians, as early as 1667. 
Accordingly, at the suggestion of Gov. Winthrop, Avho deemed 
the course best for the churches and the colony, the court, in IMay, 
1672, granted them the privilege of erecting a plantation at Pom- 
peraug. Early the next spring twenty-five families migrated to 
this place, then a wilderness. Mr. Walker divided his ministra- 
tions between this flock and that at Stratford until June, 1678. 
when he moved here. Seventeen more had been added to the 
church, and so it started as the first church of Woodbury, with 
thirty-seven members, six of whom were females, and full one-third I 
of the half-way covenant type. Yet, few as they were in numbers, 
busied as they were in procuring food and houses for their fami- 



BT-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSK, IT 

lies, beset as they were with difficulties of every kind, beyond onr 
conception, they cheerfully undertook the sustainrnent of the Gos- 
pel in their midst. They sequestered lands for the use of their 
pastor, and freely taxed themselves for his support. At lirst reli- 
gious services were held in each other's houses in winter, and in 
summer on the east side of the Orenaug Rocks, with sentinels 
stationed on their summits, to guard against sudden attack from 
hostile Indians. On this account the name of Bethel Rock has 
been given to the spot. In later times, good men, their descend- 
ants and others, have repaired thither for meditation and prayer. 
Hence, though beautiful in itself, with its surroundings of tree, 
shrub and flower^ and for its clear out-look upon the charming 
Aalley, it is more so for its historic incidents and hallowed associa- 
tions. For several years, during King Philip's war, the people 
were so absorbed in erecting fortified houses, furnishing soldiers 
for the colony, and providing guards for their own safety, that 
they could do nothing toward supplying themselves with a place 
of public worship. But early in 1081, when the stress of care and 
peril had passed, they took the matter up, and after some little 
difierence of opinion as to the site, they came to a pleasant agree- 
ment by leaving the decision to two prominent and disinterested 
outsiders. The house was at once erected, and stood just below 
the present residence of Hon. Nathaniel B. Smith. It was large and 
plain, with pulpit opposite the entrance, and Avith elevated pews 
and high-backed seats. The people were called to worship therein 
by the peculiar tap of a drum upon the high rock nearly opposite. 
Here Mr. Walker preached the word until his death in 1700, at 63 
years of age. His papers in the Stratford discussion evince his 
learning, ability and piety. His thirty years' hold upon the atten- 
tion and regard of the people, as well as the harmony and groAvth 
of the church, evince his power as a preacher, and his wisdom as a 
pastor. During his ministry he received one hundred and eight to 
the church, and baptized three hundred and seventy-six. The 
church sincerely mourned him as their heroic leader and faithful 
shepherd. 

In the same year they invited Mr. Anthony Stoddard, then just 
licensed, to preach to them. They soon became so interested in 
him, as to desire to settle him. As an inducement to this end, the 
people in lawful town meeting voted as a salary seventy pounds 



BI-CENTEXXIAI. DISCOURSK. 



per annum to be i)!iid in wheat, peas, Indian corn, pork, as also 
fire\voo(l, at tlie followinu- prices "not to l)e varied from, extraor- 
dinary providences interposing being- excepted," to wit : Wheat, 
4s. Od. per bushel ; pork at 3 cents per pound ; Indian corn, 2s. 6d. 
per bushel ; peas, 3 shillings per bushel. They also voted to build 
him a house of sjiecified dimensions, he only providing nails and 
glass, and also a well, and to fnrnisli him with 115 acres of land, 
pi'operly divided into lots for tillage, pasture, meadow, wood, and 
conveniently situated. He accepted the call, and was ordained in 
May, 1702, and moved into the house built for him, and which 
still stands in the lower part of the village, in a good state of pre- 
servation, after the storms of 168 years. It was built in the old 
lean-to style, of the time, with a small room projecting at the front 
for a portico, which Mr. Stoddard used as his study for 58 years. 
May its historic character long keep it from vandal hands, as its 
palisadoes once kept it from the assaults of the Indians, to remind 
coming generations of the Christian forecast and self-denial of their 
fathers! Mr. Stoddard possessed great versatility of mind; had 
enjoyed the best classical and theological culture of the day, and 
had been favored with the counsels and example of his eminent 
father at Northampton. xVnd though retiring to this then obscure 
parish, he found room and verge enough for the exercise of his 
rare powers. He soon took rank among the leading ministers of 
the colony. He was chairman of the committee to draft the origi- 
nal rules of the Litchfield Consociation, and was chosen to preach 
the election sermon at Hg-rtford, in 1716. He was also as much at 
home in medicine and law as in theology. According to a custom 
then quite common, he prepared himself in these departments that 
he might be useful to his flock when physicians and lawyers were 
not at hand. He was probate clerk of ancient Woodbury for 40 
years, and all the records are in his handwriting. He drew most 
of the wills of his parishioners ; he was also one of the largest 
farmers in the town. And yet it Avould seem that he did not suffer 
these secular labors to interfere with his higher work as the Lord's 
ambassador. 

Under his ministry the church was harmonious and prosperous, 
while others in the colony experienced dissensions and drawbacks. 
Though losing many to form churches at Southbury, Bethlehem, 
Judea, Roxbury, yet through frequent revivals it filled up again. 



BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE. 19 

In the great awakening of 1740, it received 97. Indeed admis- 
sions were made during all the years of his ministry save two, 
amounting to 616 — 142 of these being by the half-way covenant, 
most of whom, however, subsequently entered into full com- 
munion. He baptized 1540, and ordahied five deacons. In the 
latter part of his ministry he was privileged to preach in a new 
and finer edifice, built in 1747. With remarkable retention of 
mental and physical powers, he labored on iintil his 83d year, 
when after a two days' illness, he died, esteemed and lajnented by 
the children and grand-children of those whom he had followed to 
the tomb, and in the midst of whom they reverentially laid his 
body to await the general resurrection. Just before his death the 
people had called the Rev. Noah Benedict to settle as his col- 
league. He had accepted, and the day was fixed for his ordination. 
He was accordingly ordained Oct. 22, 1760. Mr. B. originated in 
Danbury; graduated at Nassau Hall in 1757. Though a Barnabas 
in temperament and manner, bearing consolation and cheer unto 
all with whom he came in contact, yet in preaching and debate he 
could rise to somewhat of an ApoUos in might and eloquence. 
The main grounds of his success, however, lay in his remarkable 
discretion, his eminent goodness, and his rare fidelity. At the 
very outset of his ministry he devised a plan to get I'id of the half- 
way covenant, without any jar, and with good efiect, though to it 
the church had tenaciously clung for 90 years, and that, too, when 
neighboring churches had dropped it long before. He also secured 
some slight changes in the covenant, thereby giving it such excel- 
lence that for 110 years no one has attempted its improvement. 
Rev. Worthington Wright was settled as his colleague in 1811, 
but in consequence of some disease of the eyes, preventing study, 
he was dismissed at his own request early in 1813. Mr. Benedict's 
pastorate, like that of his predecessors, was long, prosperous, and 
peaceful, until near its close, when an unpleasant controversy arose 
about locating the third and present edifice. He received 272 to 
the church, baptized 75e, and ordained eight deacons. He 
retained the confidence and afiection of his people until his death 
in 1813, at 76 years of age, and the o3d of his ministry. Here and 
there an aged one in the parish and vicinity has a pleasant remem- 
brance of his person and work, and through them his influence 
gleams gently out on the present generation, as the sun's rays 
gleam upon the sky after his setting. 



20 KI-CENTKNNIAL niSCOURSK. 

And here, in passing, I would call attention to the fact that the 
united pastorates of the three first ministers of tliis churcli cov- 
ered the remarkable period of 143 years, probably the only instance 
in the country, and one alike creditable to both parties. Fortu- 
nate as this ancient church may be in the future, there is now little 
prospect that it will ever have a pastor w^ho, in this respect, will 
attain unto either of the first three. After a year's vacancy. Rev. 
Henry P. Strong, of Salisbury, was settled over the church in May, 
1814, and was dismissed in January, 1816. Rev. Samuel R. Andrew, 
of Milford, became his successor in October, 1817. From Mr. Bene- 
dict's death to hu settlement, the church had received 38 additions. 
The party too, disalfected by the location of the new chui-ch edi- 
fice, had withdrawn and formed themselves into a strict Congre- 
gational church. He entered upon his work with forecast and tact, 
and prosecuted it with earnestness and efticiency. Over his rich 
endowments and fine culture there was cast a kind, devout, loving 
spirit which gave him great power as a preacher and pastor. So 
exemplary was he in his daily walk and conversation, that a quaint 
and captious neighbor once said that, " He had watched him for 
25 years to find something inconsistent with his profession, but 
must give it up." This speaks volumes as to his discreetness and 
piety. Hence, no wonder tliat the church was united and success- 
ful under his care. He was blessed with three revivals, received 
263, baptized 243, and ordained three deacons. Finding his health 
failing he resigned, and was dismissed in 1846, about 29 years 
from his settlement. He removed to New Haven, wdiere he died, 
May, 26th, 1858, at the age of 71. Rev. Lucius Curtis, of Torring- 
ford, Avas immediately installed as Mr. Andrew's successor in July, 
1846, and was dismissed in 1854, at his own request He led 
the church forward, adding 80 to its membership, baptizing 36, 
and leaving it harmonious and hopeful. In April of the ensuing 
year, Rev. Robert G. Williams was installed, and remained until 
July, 1859. In 1857, the second year of his ministry, some $4000 
were expended in modernizing and improving this church edifice. 
He also received 32 persons into this visible fold of Christ. Rev. 
Charles E. Robinson began to supply the pulpit early in 1861, 
and was ordained pastor, in June, 1862. He received 17 to the 
church, and was dismissed at his own request, in the spring of 
1864. Rev. Charles Little began to supply the pulpit in 1865, 



BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE. 21 

and after tAVO years retired, liaving added 30 to the church. Rev. 
Horace Witislow, as his successor, suppHed the pulpit one year, 
aud added to the chui'ch 24. In vacancies from time to time 10 
persons were added. Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, of Stonington, the 
ninth and present pastor, began his work, on November 14th, 
1869, and was installed on the 8tli of December following. He 
has received 6 to the church. From its origin, this church has 
received into its fold 1526; placed the seal of the covenant 
upon 2999, and ordained 23 deacons, only three of whom sur- 
vive. Its present membership is 192, Six churches have been 
formed entirely out of it, and two others have received a 
goodly number of members from it, to say nothing of its contri- 
butions to other denominations within its ancient limits, and to the 
churches of its own faith in the cities of the East and West. 
From it have sprung 13 ministers, seven by the name of Judson, 
one the father of Adoniram, the pioneer missionary, and another, 
Philo, distinguished as a revivalist. It has also been favored with 
a line of deacons of such rare worth and long continuance in 
office, as to deserve a passing notice. 

Hon. John Minor, the pioneer, who at the first view of this 
place from Goodhill, with bended knee, craved heaven's bless- 
ing upon the little company, and asked for a godly posterity, was 
in office 49 years, and seven of his descendants filled it after him, 
the last dying in 1865. Of these, Matthew and Truman (the last 
one) were distinguished for Bible knowledge, piety aud usefulness. 
The first was in office 42 years, and several of the others of like 
merit wej'e in office from 25 to 45 years ; and one, Eli Summers, 
still remains with us who has been in office 40 years. To the wise 
effort, bright example, fervent prayers, of these men, the church is 
greatly indebted for its unity, stability and success. Society has 
received more marvelous modifications in these two centuries than 
in any other two since the Christian era. In this period, printing, 
steam, machinery, electricity, have been exerting their magic and 
civilizing power. In this period, too, gradually, indeed, church 
edifices have improved in style and comfort. Square pews, 
eagle-nest pulpits, with sounding boards, have disappeared. The 
worshipers rent their seats, and are not seated as formerlj^ accord- 
ing to age aud rank. The cold, humid air, Avhich our fathers and 
mothers endured for hours is raritied by the heat of stove or fur- 



22 HI-CENTEXNIAL DISCODESE. 

nace. About the sanctuary no Sabbath-day liouses appear ; and 
instead of coinin<^ to church on foot, or upon saddles or pillions, 
as of ohl, the people now come in spring ^'agons or covered car- 
riages. And then at its origin, this churcli was one of 18 in tlie 
Connecticut colonies. Now there are 29(t in the State, and 3043 in 
the United States, with other evangelical denominations as strong 
or stronger. Then a few hundred colonists were struggling for 
a foothold in this wilderness, against the rigors of the climate, the 
assaults of savages and the interferences of the mother country. 
Now, there are 37 States scattered over a vast and fertile area, 
with some forty-five millions of inhabitants, under one free and 
beneficent government, and Avith almost every conceivable facility 
for material, intellectual and spiritual advantage. With few helps 
and manj^ hindrances, our ancesters kept the flame of worship 
burning on the altars of this Zion. Though the church has 
been weakened by wars, wasted by pestilence, thinned by emi- 
gration, endangered by prosperity, yet it still lives and in mucli 
vigor. It is a glorious thing that it has thus held right on its 
way through ten generations. It has rendered acceptable service 
to its Head and Lord, and been a rich boon to this community. 

And now, how interesting this transitional ])oint when it is to 
pass over its great legacy of good to the keeping of another series 
of generations. Our fathers cast np stej^ping-stones for our ad- 
vancement ; 7iot arhors wherein to take our earn. We may well 
glory in their work / but if we rest upon it, the Lord will raise up 
children to them from the stones of the street. We should 
rather feel that the church is to go forward in numbei'S, beauty, 
achievement, influence. 

As we leave this cycle of years, lined with Christian heroes 
and heroines behind us, we must needs cast the horoscope of the 
future. We who gladly join in this jubilee, will, ere long, pass 
away; but others will take our places, and the tide of aifairs will 
sweep on. When the next century comes round, and posterity 
gathers for commemoration, what shall be the aspect of the place, 
and the character of the people ? We can decide with certainty, 
as to some things that will greet our descendants then, as 
they do us now. 'i'hey will be hailed by the same spring, with 
its birds and floweis. They will pass up the same broad and 
shaded street, and look out upon the same gem of a valley, Avith 



ADDRESS AT COMMUNION. 23 

its picturesque setting of hills. The rude monument of Pomeraug 
will remain and will be visited by the curious, as to-day. But will 
the people be wiser, better, happier? Will most of them be in 
Christ's visible fold, as burning and shining lights ? Christian 
friends, the answer to these queries depends largely upon us. 
Our faith, zeal, fidelity, with heaven's favor, may till the lips 
of posterity with glad hosannas at the tri-centcnnial. Gazing 
backward, I seem to see the great cloud of witnesses for Jesus 
here clasping hands along the flying years, and as they pass on, 
the blessed results of their sacrifices, toils and tears, I seem to 
hear them say: " Freely ye have received, freely give." ''Take 
the triumphs we have gained to cheer you ; gaze upon the 
trophies we have gathered and hung around you, then press for- 
ward froui conquest to conquest, until called to lay your armor 
down, and receive the Master's well-done." Anten. 

The concluding i^rayer was uttered by Rev. John Churchill, 
and after this a recess of five minutes occurred to give oppor- 
tunity for such as chose to retire. 

During the services of the forenoon, the deacons of the mother 
church, our own, and those of the North church, sat about the 
communion table after the manner of " ye olden time.'' After the 
recess came the administration of the Lord's supper to some 800 
communicants, filling the seats above and below, Rev. William 
K. Hall, of Stratford, and our own pastor officiating. It was a 
solemn and interesting occasion — never before enjoyed here — never 
again to be enjoyed by us below, — when a mother church, M'ith 
its own mother and six children sat down together at the " Earth- 
ly marriage feast of the Lamb." The remembrances of that hour 
will go with us through the eternal ages. 

The exercises at the communion were opened by singing the 
following verses, beautifully rendered by William Cothren, James 
H. Linsley, Mrs. Enos Benham, and Mrs. Horace D. Curtiss, as a 
quartette : 

'Tis midnig-ht, and on Olive's brow, 

The star is diiuraed that lately shoue ; 

'Tis midnight ; in the garden now, 

The suffering Saviour prays alone. 
******** 
" 'Tis finished," — so the Saviour cried, 

And meekly bowed his head, and died; 
" 'Tis finished," — yes the race is run. 

The battle fought, the victory won ! 



24 ADDRKSS AT COMAIUNIOX. 

ADDRESS AT COMMUNION. 

Fathers, Buetiiren, Friexus: — We approach this sacramental 
tahle to-day nntler circumstances of peculiar interest. The " com- 
niuiiiou ot saints" is changed from a dry dogma of our creed into a 
lilessed reality of our experience. The mother church sits down 
in this heavenly phxce in Christ Jesus, with her daughter, grand- 
daughters, cousins, and many of remoter kindred and others of 
diftei'ent denominations. No idea of the Cliurch in the liible is 
moi-e common or beautiful than that of a family or household. 
God is the Father, Jesus the elder brother, and all true believers, 
brothers and sisters in Plim. The Savior once said that whosoever 
should do his will, the same was his brother, sister and mother. 
And Paul gathers into one family the redeemed on earth and 
in heaven. Ah ! the hundreds wlio have preceded us in caring for 
this Zion, must be near to-day in sympathy and gratulation, though 
we feel not the pressure of their hands, and hear no word of cheer 
from their lips. And through the knowledge we have of their 
career and of their blest estate in glory, we can commune with 
them, and gather inspiration to press on in our Christian course. 
Friends, our time for holy fellowship and achievement here is fast 
passing by. The Lord help us to go down from this mount of 
o-lorious privilege witli a fuller consecration to his service. Then, 
when called to rest from our earthly labors and cares, we shall be 
numbered among those who die in the Lord, and ^ohose works 
follow tJiem ! 

The service was continued by Rev. William K. Hall, in the 
following remarks : 

Brethren in Christ : — Our thought has been directed to that 
blessed truth of the unity of all believers in Christ, of the family 
relation in which all who are Christ's are found, a relation which 
death itself cannot sever. 

This truth is made most vivid and real to us by this Supper of 
our Lord, and by these memories of our fathers, which as a sister- 
hood of churches we have come together to-day to revive. We 
love to contemplate this truth. It produces a deep, quiet joyous- 
ness of spirit, thus to keenly realize that we are one with those 
who have gone before us to the home above, one with that godly 



ADDRESS AT COMMUNIOX, 25 

ancestry who planted these chixrches of Clirist and bequeathed to 
us these religions institutions. There is, it is true, this invisible, 
indestructible unity. 

But what does tliis imply ? That we have the same faith, the 
faith "once delivered to the saints," that we are sustained by 
the same hopes and the same promises ? Most surely ; but is there 
not more than this ? There is a unity of the spirit, a spirit of devo- 
tion to the truth, a spirit of consecration to the Master and His 
service. Through much self-denial, through much self-sacrifice, they 
labored to secure for themselves and for those that should come 
after them, these blessings of the Christian f^imily and the Chris- 
tian state. Fidelity to the truth, a firm, unyielding devotion to 
the interests of religion among them, marked their character and 
their lives. We may not, my brethren, be called to practice 
the same kind of self-denial, and may not find the same kind of 
sacrifices in our path of duty, but if we are true, devoted 
Christian men and Avomen, loyal to the Master and His kingdom, 
we shall find that we need the same spirit that actuated them, and 
we shall moreover find that our path of duty is the path of self- 
denial and self-sacrifice. That teaching of the Savior, which Avas 
in so large a measure exemplified in their lives, is for us also. " If 
any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his 
cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall 
lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for My sake, shall save it." 
This supper Avhich calls to remembrance the sacrifice of our Lord, 
His self-giving for us, ever brings to mind afresh that root-principle 
of all Christian living, self-giving for Christ, self-losing in Christ. 
We are here brought into communion with Him. Shall nat this 
communion bring us into a closer sympathy Avith His spirit ? 
Shall Ave not, by this communion, possess more of the mind of 
our Lord? As we take this cup to our lips, and by faith behold 
the blood that was shed for us, shall we not take into our hearts 
more of Christ that we may take into our lives more of Christ ? 
If Ave here rencAV our covenant vows, let us remember that these 
vows are vows of allegiance, by which Ave devoted ourselves and 
our all to the service of Christ. If Ave here re-consecrate our- 
selves to Jesus, let us recognize the truth, that it is a consecration 
to the cross — that the cross is to be henceforth more deeply im- 



26 DEDKJATION OF FA.THERS MONUMENT, 

printed in our souls, and tliat we are to bear it more steadfastly 
and faithfully in our lives. 

May Ave all to-day he so baptized by the Holy Spirit into the 
spirit of the Lord Jesus, that " denying ungodliness and worldly 
lusts," we may " live soberly, righteously and godly in this present 
world ; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing 
of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, Avho gave Himself 
for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto 
Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." 

It was now " high noon," and the final hymn being sung, the 
" o-reat congregation " moved to the Town Hall to partake of the 
collation, which had been prepared by the church and congrega- 
tion, aided by the voluntary and acceptable contribution of eat- 
ables and assistance from the ladies of the North Church, and the 
churches of Judea and Koxbury. We shall not soon forget their 
kindness, and shall be only too happy to assist them on any simi- 
lar occasion. All were amply supplied, and when all were " filled " 
there were " many baskets full taken up." 

At 12-45 P. M., the bell gave warning of the services at the 
cemetery, where the Fathers' monument was to be dedicated. 
This is a structure hewn from native boulders, of massive propor- 
tions, 33 feet high, erected at a cost of more than 61,500, more 
than one-third of whi(;h was contributed by a single individual. 
There is no similar monument in this country so far as known to 
the writer. The principal stone is a granite block of great beauty, 
found on a farm at a distance, and prepared for the place of honor 
on the base of the monument. On the front it bears the inscrip- 
tion in prominent letters, "Presented by William Cothren and 
Lyman E. Monrijie, July 4th, 1861." This inscription refers to the 
block, and not, as some supposed, to the entire monument. Just 
above on a broAvn stone block are the names of the gentlemen at 
whose expense the monument has been erected. The inscription is, 
" Erected in honor of the Fathers, by Rev. W. T. Bacon, Hon. 
Thomas Bull, David S. Bull, Esq., George H. Clark, Esq., Hon. 
Julius B. Curtiss, Hon. Henry C. Deming, Hon. Henry Dutton, 
Charles G. Judson, Esq., Woodbury Lyceum, Walter P. Mai-shall, 
Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs, Deacon Truman Minor, Rev. George 
Richards, Rev. James Richards, D. D., Hon. Thomas H. Seymour, 
Edward W. Seymour, Rev. Henry B. Sherman, Rev. Thomas L. 



DEDICATORY PRAYER. 27 

Shipman, Hon, Nathaniel B, Smith, Charles A. Somers, Esq., Hon. 
Henry Stoddard, Rev. J. B. Stoddard, Rev. Robert G. Williams, 
Gen. William T. Sherman." On the shaft above is the name, 
David J. Stiles. On the east side is the inscription " Rev. Zecha- 
riah Walker, fiist pastor of ancient Woodbury, died Jan. 20th, 
1699, in the 63d year of his age, and in the 36th of his min- 
istry." At the foot of the monument is the ancient headstone 
with this record : 

ZECHARIAH 

WALKER, 

AGED 63, 

DYED JAN. 20 

1G99. 

On the north side is the epitajjli of Rev. Anthony Stoddard, the 
second pastoi', who died Sept. 6th, 1760, in the 83d year of his 
age, and the 61st of his ministry ; and on the west side is that of 
Rev. Noah Benedict, the third pastor, who died April 20th, 1813, 
in the 76th year of his age, and the 53d of his ministry. At the 
base, on the north side, is an old mill-stone, one of two small ones 
taken to Woodbury on horseback, two hundred years ago, with 
which they ground corn and meal for the whole settlement at the 
rate of one bushel per day. 

The dedicatory exercises were very interesting and impressive. 
Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, of Jewett City, one of the contributors, 
opened the exercises with the following 

DEDICATORY PRAYER. 

O Thou, Avhose we are, and whom we would glorify in all our 
works begun, continued and ended ; may Thy presence be with 
us and Thy blessing upon us on the occasion which has convened 
us in this place of graves. Thy servants have erected this monu- 
ment before which we are assembled, to the memory of the fore- 
fathers of the ancient church whose history we have to-day recalled. 
Accept Thou this work of their hands and offering of their hearts. 
May this shaft long stand in remembrance of the men whose names 
are engraven upon it — though dead, they yet live by the influence 
of their ministry upon coming generations. Time may efface their 
names from this monument of stone, but nothing shall ever efface 



28 ADDRESS OF DEDICATION. 

their lucmory from tlie liearts of a grateful posterity. As we 
stand surrounded by the dead, iin])ress u]»on our minds the tliought 
that we shall soon be of them, and give us grace so to live and so 
to die, that to each of us the end of earth shall be the beginning of 
Heaven. Bless those Avho are to take }>nrt in the further services 
of this occasion. May what they shall speak be for Thy glory 
and for our good, and in all the solemnities and services of the 
day, may we be accepted through Jesus Christ our strength and 
our Redeemer. Amen. 



ADDRESS OF DEDICATION. 



P,Y WILLIAM COTIIREN. 



Ten years ago, as the curious antiquarian searched with rev- 
erent tread among the mossy mounds, which surround us, on this 
consecrated hill, " beautiful for situation," in this loveliest of val- 
leys, parting here and there the lank grass and tangled briars, he 
would have discovered tJtat little head-stone of native rock with 
its rude inscription, telling us the simple tale, that here rested all 
that remained on earth of the first father of the town, " ye faith- 
full, worthy, beloved Minister of the Gospell, and much lamented 
pastor of the Ch'' of Christ." One hundred and sixty times had 
the " dark brown years" passed over this consecrated spot, and 
this was all' that remained to tell the numerous posterity of the 
fathers, who had been enriched and blessed during all that long 
period by his faithful teachings, laboi's and sufterings — that here 
the ever-to-be-revered Walker had laid his armor down — that here 
he awaited in tranquil rest the final trump of God. Then, as now, 
grouped thickly around him, in like noteless graves, his faithful 
people were gathered — a hardy, noble race, that has, in the last 
two centuries, and especially in the living, whirling present, 
brought forth great and abundant fruit. There lies Deacon John 
Minor, the tried, the true, and the brave, ancestor, in the maternal 
line, of Gen. Grant, President of the United States. Connecticut, 
through her Deacon Grant of Windsor, and Deacon ^Nlinor of 
Woodbury, claims a proud share in the fame of this distinguished 
man. Near Deacon Minor reposes all that was mortal of Deacon 



ADDRESS OF DEDICATION. 29 

John Sherman, ancestor of the General of our armies, and Senator 
Sherman of Ohio. Gen. Sherman's name appears on this monu- 
ment as great-grancl-son of the immortal Stoddard, second pastor 
of this ancient church. The Mitchells, the Wlieelers, the Cur- 
tisses, the Hurds, the Judsons — ministerial race — all the early 
revered names lie slumbering near, a goodly company, in their 
lonely, neglected graves— alas ! too long neglected by their 
numerous descendants. Before me stands at this very moment so 
great a company of the lineal descendants of the first John Minor, 
deacon of the church, captain of the train band, interpreter to the 
Indians and justice of the quorum, that by contributing a mere 
tritle apiece, a greater and more expensive monument could be 
erected than this, which we now dedicate to the memory of the 
fathers. I charge you to-day to take immediate measures to erect 
a monument fit to commemorate the virtues of one of the most 
remarkable men in the early history of the colony. It is the duty 
of tlie hour for you. 

No nobler company of men ever removed in a body into the 
solitudes and dangers of the wilderness, than these early fathers, 
who left their dwellings by the sea, to dare the perils and priva- 
tions of the dim woods. They sought to plant here a pure and 
sublime faith. They labored to extend the kingdom of God. Is 
it wonderful, then, that their descendants should desire to erect 
an enduring monument to the sacred memory of such immortal 
ancestors, th;it it may stand forever as a remembrancer to their 
children to imitate the virtues and graces of their long buried 
sires, who have " entered into the rest that I'emaineth to the 
people of God ?" 

A little farther to the north stands the modest and dilapidated 
head-stone of the venerated Anthony Stoddard, second pastor of 
the church, who rests in the hope of a bright resurrection amid 
the faithful flock to whom he ministered in "things spiritual " for 
the long period of more than sixty years. * A step farther, and we 
are at the grave of the sainted Benedict. These three, a trio of 
worthies, full of prudence, jiiety and puritj' unsurpassed, " went 
in and out before the people " for the long period of one hundred 
and forty-three years. Such wei-e our fathers, and such their 
claims on the reverence and the affections of their posterity, and 
yet no monument had arisen to perpetuate a remembrance of their 
virtues — ten years ago I 



30 ADDRESS OF DEDICAT I;)N. 

But the filial heart of tlie people could not endure a fjirther 
neglect of the reverence due the names of their sacred dead. 
Measures were taken for erecting a fitting monument to their 
memory. Starting witii the theory that no material could be 
more fitting than the rugged native boulders from tlieir axon lands, 
among whicli they had wandered in life, the work went on with 
zeal. Good progress had been made, when the war of the re- 
bellion broke out, and for more tlian seven dark, gloomy and 
bloody years, the work Avas suspended. In 1868, noble men came 
forward Avith their contributions, at home and abroad, and the 
work was conimenced again with renewed vigor, and pushed to 
successful completion. It now stands before you, a rugged struc- 
ture, 33 feet in hight. It is like the character of our fathers, not 
artistically beautiful, but massive and. immovable. It was erected 
at an expense of more than 1 1, 500 — and more than one-third of 
that amount was contributed by one individual. 

A single duty yet remains, and we are here to perform it. We 
are here, a filial band, to dedicate it to the memory of the fathers. 
AVe come to this pleasing duty amid the joyous exercises of our 
bi-centenuial jubilee, and in the two hundred and fiftieth year of 
Congregationalism in this country. The time is propitious. The 
skies are bright above us. The awakening vigor of Spring is 
apparent on every side. It is the fourth jubilee of our church, 
and the fifth of our order. And now, in such an auspicious hour, 
when our hearts are filled with joy and congratulations, we dedi- 
cate this monument to the memory of the fathers — to the memory 
of the noble men and women who lie sleejiing in the moss-grown 
graves beneath our feet, resting sweetly and securely in the hope 
of a blessed immortality in the beautiful land beyond the far 
etherial blue, " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the 
weary are at rest," We dedicate it to the memory of that pilgrim 
company, who left the father-land for the enjoyment of a purer 
gospel — who chose to endure all the privations of a pioneer life 
amid the perils of the wilderness, to establish freedom of thought 
for themselves and their children. We dedicate it to the heroic 
men, who could sing "amidst the storm," 

^ " And wliom the stars heard and tlie sea ! 

While the aounding aisles of the dim woods rung 
To the anthems of the free !" 



ADDRESS OF DKDICATIOX. 31 

We cheerfully dedicate it to the fathers who chose this beautiful 
resting-place, so like tliat of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth 
Rock, pioneers and partakers in a like laith, and a like appreciation 
of the beautiful in nature. We dedicate it to those lion-hearted 
men, who have left lis a glorious inheritance — who, while 

" The heavy ni}i;ht hung dark 
The woods and waters o'er," 

and often over their dearest hopes, still sang the songs of Zion, 

And prayed in their Bethel, tlie shade of the Rouk. 

We dedicate it with full souls on this 

" Holy ground, 
The spot where first they trod ! 
They have left unstained what here they found, 
Freedom to worship God." 

We dedicate it to them for their toils and labors for the estab- 
lishment of " the faith once delivered to the saints," for their pure 
lives, for their earnest zeal, for their pious teachings, for their 
shining examples. We dedicate it as a sacred memento of them — 
as a solemn duty to ourselves. We dedicate it, that our children 
and children's children may learn to follow in the way of the holy 
dead. We dedicate it, that it may be " a rule unto ourselves," 
inviting us to pursue " the things that make for peace," and pleas- 
antness, so that when we shall have entered into our rest, and 
another century shall have rolled its ceaseless round, our descend- 
ants may revere our memory as we do that of the fathers so long 
ago translated. 

Spirits of our fathers, long since ascended unto glory at the 
right hand of God ! Spirits of the just made perfect ! Do you 
hear us in your blest al:)odes on high ? Do you note our filial 
aspirations to-day ? Are you hovering over us as our guardian 
angels ? Tell us not that when good men carried your bodies to 
the burial, and wept over these graves, you knew not, heeded 
not — the tears of affection ! Are you pleased with our tribute of 
love ? Are you not smiling upon us this very hour, soothing our 
spirits, as we offer to you this memorial our hands have made, and 



32 DEDICATORY POEM. 

lift to you our filial hearts ? Were you ever, -while liere below, 
afflicted with trivial contests and bitter recriminations — or, rather, 
did not your great hearts always glow with love and kindness to 
all 'i Do you look in pity upon us, when discord arises, and 
brethren disagree V Do you love us in your far-away paradise ? 
Oh ! we believe, yes — we believe in the beautiful doctrine of 
guardian angels ! " In heaven their angels do always behold the 
face of my Father !" 

" You're with ua yet, ye holy dead ! 
By a thousand signs we know ! 
You're keeping e'er a spirit watch 
'er those we love below ! 



Next followed the Dedicatory Poem, of which the following is 
a copy, with slight omissions : 

THE EARLY VILLAGE FATHERS. 

As I sat in ray study one eve, grim and gruni, 
Came a rap at the door : 

" Is the poet at home ?" 
" Well sir, what is wanted ?" 

" Why, one Cothren is here, 
And he says he wants brains." 

" Ah, how doth that appear? 
That a lawyer lacks brains, is what often may be, 
Though I had not supposed that such lawyer was he." 
" Nay, 'tis your brains, he wants." 

" Ah, that alters the case — " 
Plence I stand here to-day in this reverend place, 



Ah, Home, search the world round, go east and go west, 

Take all that is purest and sweetest and best ; 

Take the world's wealtli, its grandeur, it's strength, and it's fame, 

And, if other good is, fling in all ye can name ; 

For one hour in that spot, one glad thrill of the boy, 

We would willingly give all the world calls it's joy. 



" What shadows we are, and what shadows pursue," 
Just go back forty years, let them pass in review; 



DEDICATORY POEM. 33 

Scarce one fiiiuil3''8 head, that stood here in its wortli. 
But the last forty years have consigned to the earth ; • 
Our homes have changed owners, our farms too,, till now 
Scarce one gray head ye meet of that brief long ago. 

Take one fact to this point. Just go back eight;/ years, 

What a power was that name whicii the singer now bears ? 

What a wealth of wide acres ? What strange business skill ? 

Each thing that he touched, ciianged to gold at his will ; 

'T would take ten modern men to make up his one mind, 

Half the wealth of the town was in his name combined. 

— Scarce two years since this hand signed the deed, that conveyed 

The last foot of land that great name once obeyed. 

Yes, what shadows we are, and what shadows pursue. 

We stand here to-day with the fathers in view — 

The fai--awa}' fathers, and pastors, who led 

Their flocks round these hills, on these pastures to feed ; 

Guarded well each approach, kept the fold from all harms, 

And, like Christ of old time, " bore the lambs in their arms." 

We stand on their ashes ! methinks as we gaze. 
That they ri.<ie up ! — confront us! — and ask of our ways! 
There was AValker, the gentle and meek — yet the shrewd. 
There was Stodd.\rd, the austere and plain — yet the good ; 
There was Benedict, solemn and slow, with an eye 
That looked out like a star from its cavernous sky ; 
And a crowd of bright wortlues hover thick in their rear. 
And all gaze, with bowed forms, on this pageantry here ! 

Is it nothing to stand on the graves of such men? 

Come no thoughts up? no pictures of scenes stirring then 1 

Come no voices, loud ringing in everj' ear, 

To tell us of life, throbbing life that was here ? 

Come no shadows, that fall down on every path 

God appoints for each soul, in his love, or his wrath ? 

Aye, and fancy finds pastime in scenes such as these, 

And weaves into voice what she hears, or she sees. 



'Tis a beautiful part, as we stand here to-day, 
And our thoughts travel off to that dim far away. 
To call up that scene, and those forms, and those eyes. 
That once looked around here on this new Paradise !. 

There was reverend age with its locks white and thin, 
There was beautiful childhood, unsullied by sin. 



34 DEDICATION UY3IN. 

There was vigorous manhood ?o stalwart and boUl, 

There were beautiful maidens so sweet to behold ; 

And they had all those cares, and those dreams, too, perchance, 

That light up the world with the hues of romance. 

There were some sad eyes there, that the hot tears had burned, 
There were pale, gentle faces, whose hearts were in-urued ; 
There were souls with dead hopes, that, still withering cling 
Round the heart they had broke, and then left with their sting ; 
And other eyes there, with no smile any more, 
Unless faith brought it down from that sunnier shore. 

Yet a beautiful fnith, that they brought here that day, 
They came not for gold , let men .«a}- what they may; 
They came not for power for no power was there here. 
Save the power of meek patience, that dwells in a tear; 
But they came with their souls, to this far-away wood. 
To work out an approach to the all-perfect Good ! 
Have we, their descendants, departed from them ? 
Can we now, as they could, the world's currents stem? 
Can we, as could they, break off that bond and this, 
And alone rest the heart where its true treasure is ! 

As we stand on their dust, let our hearts go once more. 
To that far away land, to that far awa}- shore ; 
Let us try to draw down into each throbbing breast. 
One tithe of that worth that the fathers possessed ; 
And transmit to our children, till earth cease to move, 
' Their courage, their patience, their sweetness, their love ! 

Then followed the 

DEDICATION HYMN. 

BY WILLIAM COTHREN. 

We're standing to-day on the holy sod — 

With reverence draw near — 
Whence our fathers' souls ascended to God — 

Their sacred dust lies here. 

Chorus — Many are the years since ye hasted away, 
Eager for the golden strand ; 
Many are the voices calling j'ou to-daj' 

To hear our filial Band. 
Hear us alway, hear us alway, 
Hear us in your happy land. 



AFTERNOON EXERCISES OPENING PRAYER. 35 

Ye are bappy to-day in your home above, 

Your hearts are all aglow ; 
Ye are smiling now with a look of love, 

On us who toil below. 
Chorus — 

We greet you to-day, ye sturdy old stock. 

Who rest from your lal)ors here — 
From your prayers and praise at the Betliel Rock, 

To shine in a brighter sphere. 
Chorus — 

This hymn Avas sung as a quartette by Messrs. William Cothren, 
James H. Linsley, William A. Gordon, and William B. Walker, 
in a most eifective and beautiful manner. 

The exercises closed with a Benediction by Rev. Austin Isham 
of Roxbury. 

At a quarter to 2 P. M., the bell called to the afternoon exer- 
cises. These were of a social character. Hon. N. B. Smith, 
grandson of the third pastor, the Rev. Noah Benedict, who had 
presided at the monument, also presided here, ably aided by the 
pastor, and Deacon Trowbridge, Chairman of the General Com- 
mittee, acting as Vice-Presidents. 

After singing, the Opening Prayer was made by Rev. Austin 
Isham : — 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, hallowed be Thy name, Thy 
Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is done in Heaven. 
We hear Thy voice speaking to us on this deeply interesting 
occasion, saying " Seek ye My face." May all our hearts respond, 
" Thy face. Lord, will we seek " 

We would approach Thy throne of grace w4th profound rever- 
ence and deep humility. When we consider the greatness of Thy 
majesty, and our own exceeding great vileness and unworthiness, 
we are led to exclaim " What is man that Thou art mindful of him, 
or the son of man, that Thou visitest him ?" 

We feel that we have forfeited every claim to Thy favor and 
justly mei-it Thy displeasure. And yet, Thou hast not dealt with 
us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniqui- 
ties ; but as high as the Heavens are above the earth, so great has 
been Thy mercy toward us. We humbly thank Thee for all Thou 



36 AI)I)1^K.SS OF (^KKKTIXG. 

liast done for otir o-iiilty anU niiiRMl race; esjiooially tliat Thou 
didst so love tlie Avorld, as to give lliiiio own and well-beloved 
Son, that whosoever helieveth in Him, should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. We tliank Thee for the many blessings, tem- 
poral and spiritual, whicli thou hast conferred u])on us. The lines 
have indeed fallen to us in pleasant places, yea, we liave a goodly 
heritage. We feel that it is a goodly land which the Lord our 
God hath given us. We bless Thee for a godly ancestry, whose 
steps Thou didst guide to these beautiful hills and vafleys, and that 
here, by Thy blessing, they planted those institutions, civil and 
religious, which we to-day enjoy. 

We rendei- thanks to Thee for extending Thy fostering care to 
the churches our fathers planted ; that Thou didst greatly increase 
the number and moral power and strength of these churches; thus 
showing to us how precious in Thy sight is Zion, dear as the apple 
of Thine eye, and graven on the palms of Thy liands. O Thou 
great head of the Church, we pray for Thy blessing still. God 
of our fathers, we beseech Thee never to leave nor forsake these 
churches. Be as a Avail of iire round about them and a glory in 
the midst of them. Pour out Thy spirit upon them ; may they be 
indeed the light of the Avorld and the salt of the earth. Give 
them pastors after Thine own heart. 

Bless the churches throughout the land and throughout the 
world. 

Finally, we invoke Thy blessing upon all the exercises uoav 
before us. In all that may be said or done, may Thy glory and 
our spiritual good be promoted. We ask and offer all in the name 
and for the sake of Christ, to whom, with the Father and Holy 
Spirit, be rendered ceaseless praises. Amen. 

By special invitation. Rev. Horace Winslow, of Williniantic, 
Conn,, the last preceding pastor of the church, next gave the ad- 
dress of greeting to the assembled churches, and continued during 
the afternoon to read the sentiments addressed to the churches, 
which had been prepared by Bro. William Cothren, and to intro. 
duce the speakers in resjjonse thereto, in an exceedingly happy, en- 
tertaining and eloquent manner : 



ADU11E8S OF GREKTIXG. 



;n 



Mr. PriESinEXT, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

111 the iKviiie of this Cliurch, I am requested to welcome with 
joyful greeting, her Daughters, with their Grandmother, (who is 
fresh and fair, as one who has not passed the marketable age of 
twenty-five), to a home gathering here to-day. 

To these many children, with tlieir children's cliildren, I may 
say: Your Mother is not young, and still those who do not know 
her age might think so, for she is hale and hearty, elastic of step, 
and buoyant of heart, as a girl of sixteen. If you would observe, 
you can see that her " eye is not dim, and her natural force 
abated ;" that in her voice, dress, and bearing, she has all the 
appearance of youth, — and yet she is two hundred years old to- 
day. Indeed, a simple consideration of the fact of her numerous 
family, would suggest the thought that she does not belong to the 
])resent generation. I may not be able to state just Avhat it is 
Avhich has kept her so fresh and fair, for she has not been sleeping 
for two centuries, nor half of them. Slie has been a personal 
actor in all the great and interesting events which have transpired 
in our country during this long period. She was in the field, 
boldly defending the frontier, in King Philip's war, giving her 
sons full to the quota all through the French and Indian war, and 
she was among the foremost of the forward in the grand struggle 
which achieved the American nationality. The sons of Woodbury 
marched to glory and to victory under the leadership of Wolfe, 
Putnam, and Washington. And the fact that there is an occasion 
tor it, and that there is a will to erect here a monument to the 
memory of the heroes who fell in the national defense and the 
crushing out of the great rebellion, is proof that your Mother has 
not been asleep for these years, but awake, and loyal to all the 
great interests of humanity. 

She has also kept up with the times. She is as much at home 
in the progress of the age, as any of her children's children. She 
holds to those fundamental truths which made her grand old 
Puritan ancestry illustrious, and their fame immortal, but she 
believes in progress. She knows that the world moves, and she 
moves with it, without the help of a railroad. 

It is because of this hearty sympathy with the present, not 
mourning over the dead past, but rejoicing in the grand march of 
to-day, tliat she takes a peculiar pleasure in this tamily gathering. 



38 . Sl5:XTlMKNTS AXI) RESPONSES. 

She is rejoiced to meet Jier children, who li.'ive long been of age, 
and liiive made their mark in the field of thought and action, and 
Avith reminiscences of the past, talk over the aifairs of to-day. 

We stand in a grand period of the Avorld's history. We behold 
here a nation grown to vigorous manhood, — developed in all noble 
qualities, — at once respected and feared by the governments of 
the world, and loved by all peoples whose hearts are in accord 
with the interests of humanity. We see here the fruits of those 
vital principles of Christianity and rights of man, which our Puritan 
ancestors held and taught, and to realize Avhich, in a social state, 
they left, their pleasant homes in the old world, and began in this 
wilderness of the west, to build, from the foundations, a free 
cliurch and a free state. 

For these noble deeds we honor those men. But we stand in 
no stagnant past. We look forward and upward, and are particu- 
larly joyful to-day in the wasting away of hoary wrongs, — in the 
advance upon public opinion of broad Christian doctrines of human 
ecpiality and human rights, and in the hold which the Gospel has 
upon all earnest minds of our day. 

Thus cherishing, with you, a conmion sympathy with these vital 
interests, the Church here delights to honor her Bi-Centennial 
Anniversary by this gathering. It is with a hearty good will that 
she welcomes you to your birth-place — your early pleasant home 
in this green valley. And it is a special occasion of joy to us all 
that we can have with us the venerated Grandmother. She is 
very old, and yet we should know it only by her title. Her resi- 
dence is on the sea shore, and in former years, fishing, I conclude, 
was an occupation with her. However, judging from her present 
elegant home, surrounded with the adornments which wealth and 
art furnish, that business must be given up, but by way of amuse- 
ment she now and then puts her hand in, and takes a good Hall, 
as you will see in the reply to the sentiment which I will read : 

Stratford ! — Mother revered ! thou that dwellest by the sea ! 
called in a green old age to celebrate the birth-day of this, thy 
first born daughter, with filial reverence and great joy, Ave greet 
thee, and welcome thee to the goodly heritage which the Lord 
our God has given us ! 

Response by Rev. Wm. K. Hall, of Stratford. 



SENTIJIENTS AND RESPONSES. 



39 



Mr. Chairman and Friends : 

Such :i venerable parent, Avith such a numerous and honored 
posterity, would seem to demand a more venerable person than 
myself to represent her upon this occasion. The incongruity was 
certainly apparent, even before those humorous refeiences with 
which my friend has been pleased to introduce me, were made. 
Appreciating the diificulty of performing such a role, I have been 
endeavoring, as best I could, to accumulate and appropriate to 
myself such a stock of the past, as at least to feel old. I have 
been attempting, under the influence of these suggestive emblems 
and insignia with wdiich these walls and panels are decorated, to 
forget the present, and to throw myself back into the past. This, 
however, were comparatively easy to the task of arousing those 
feelings of self-pride and self-exaltation, which they are expected 
to have, and which they are wont to have, who are privileged in 
their green old age to celebrate the birth-day of their first born 
daughter, honored and blessed, and surrounded by a happy family 
of her own. This effort to feel like a dear old grandma, whose 
heart swells with joyous pride, and overflows with gratitude, and 
whose tongue is garrulous, as she recounts the virtues and honors 
of the family, is altogether too much for me. Just this, however, 
the sentiment proposed expects of me. Even your Committee of 
Arrangements, kindly considering the failings of old dames thus 
happily, and taking for granted that ray own pleasure upon this 
occasion Avould be found largely in exercising the right to be 
loquacious, accorded me the privilege of occupying all the time I 
might desire, not limiting me, as in the case of the children, to ten 
minutes. 

But I promise not to go beyond the stated limit, if in your 
indulgence you will pardon me if I do not succeed in toning up 
my youthful feelings to the high pitch of this poetic sentiment. 

The historical sermon and address, to which we have with so 
much pleasure listened, have given us wdiat are supposed to be 
the facts concerning the birth of this daughter. Some of you are 
aware that a slight variance of views exists, relative to the causes 
which led to the formation of this Church, and the colonization of 
this town of Woodbury. Not particularly interested myself in 
antiquarian pursuits, I have never been disposed to make a critical 
investigation of the subject. But if the family record is correct — 



40 SEXTIMICNTS A XI) HESPONTSRS. 

tliat, I inoan, wliieli we keep at home — tliere is a somewhat difterent 
exphinatiou to be given, iVom tliat whicli we have lieard to-day. 
It appears tliat the daughter, dissatisfied with the way aftairs were 
conducted in the household determined to have them according 
to her mind. The mother did not propose to yield to the revolu- 
tionary spirit of her rebellious child. And as the child inherited 
the disposition of the mother, each persistent and unyielding in 
its own views of what was right and best, the j^rospects of an 
amicable lite together beneath the same old roof seemed exceed- 
ingly doubtful. At this juncture a young man appeared, who 
succeeded in winning the heart, and as a natural consequence 
sought to possess the hand of this daughter. Mattel's became 
complicated. Councils of friends were summoned to give advice. 
Even the interference of the civil authorities was invoked. These 
•were warm times. But what was to be done ? The 'troubles 
came to an end in this way : the young man, whom the mother 
could not and would not abide, succeeded in obtaining the hand 
of the daughter, and then, as we might sui:>pose IVom his very 
name, if for no other reason, xcalked off with her. This i>lay upon 
the name 'Walker recalls a story that is still current in the old 
home, and I may be permitted to drop, for the moment, the thread 
of my story, to repeat it, after the habit of loquacious old ladies. 

Those old controversies were carried on, not without consid- 
ei'able bitterness. The General Court had interfered to adjust the 
matters of dispute between the two Church parties. It decided 
that the Walker party should have the use of the Meeting House 
a part of the Lord's Day. Upon one occasion, Mr, Walker had in 
a sermon made some declarations which Dr. Chauncey had con- 
strued as unjust, and as I'cHecting upon himself. In the afternoon, 
or upon the next Sabbath, Dr. Chauncey took for his text this 
passage: "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, 
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 
His first point was, " You see, my Brethren, that the devil is a 
great walker.'''' 

How much of this is fact, and how much merely legend, or tlie 
gossip of the period handed down, much exaggerated, to the 
present, I cannot say, but it may serve to remind us, what his- 
torical facts amply teach, that the ecclesiastical disputes of those 
days engendered warm party feelings, and rendered absolutely 
necessary an entire separation. 



> 



SEXTIMENTS AND liESFONSES. 41 

The daughter, with Iier chosen spiritual leader and guide, left 
the old homestead, and in choosing her new home wisely titrned 
northward, preferring the clear, bracing air of the north to the 
damp and fog and malaria of the shore lands. The record of 
these two hundred years, and these festivities to-day, testify to 
the wisdom of that separation and of that choice. 

That setting forth from the old home was under circumstances, 
and amid scenes, which, if we could reproduce them in our imagi- 
nation to-day, would aid us in rising to the full significance of this 
occasion. The Plantation was only tliirty years old. These years 
had been years of toil, of hard work in subduing the wilderness, 
and in making for themselves comfortable homes. Tliey had been 
spent in almost constant fear of the depredations and attacks of 
the Indians. One generation was about passing away, and a new 
generation had already begun to take up and carry on the ever 
unfinished work. They were just beginning to enjoy the fruits of 
their hard pioneer toil, were just beginning to idealize the benefits 
of a social life, well ordered, properly systematized as to govern- 
ment, adequately equipped and adjusted by the experiences of 
those tliirty years. Those years had been years chiefly of prepa- 
ration. The settlement Avas now assuming the appearance and the 
character of a thrifty agricultural town. It must have required 
a resoluteness of purpose, backed by a firm, conscientious regard 
for duty, for that little band to go forth at such a time, and strike 
out an entirely new path for themselves, to begin over again that 
same laborious work of making new homes in these wild wood- 
lands of the north. The prime motives that led them to take that 
step were wholly of a religious nature Their rights as church 
members they would maintain. Spiritual interests must be held 
paramount. They felt that they could not remain in the old 
church home, though it was large enough to contain them, if the 
course they deemed right and scriptural was not pursued, so they 
left it. They had pluck, nerve and energy — stood their ground 
firmly until they were convinced that it was for the good of both 
parties that they should secede. I apprehend that at the last, the 
spirit that prevailed was not far different from that exhibited in 
the Patriarch brother, after variances had arisen in the family : 
" Let there be no strife, I pray, between me and thee, and between 
my herdsmen aiul thy lierdsjneu ; for we be biethren. Is not the 



42 SENTIMENTS AND KhSPONSES. 

Avliole land befoi-e thee : separate tliyself I pray tliee from me. 
If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right, and if 
thou depart to the right hand then I will go to the left." 

Fortunately there was land enough, and that too not far distant 
from the old home. Could those bold spirits who planned and 
achieved that work of settlement, Aviiose names shine out upon 
these tablets before us to-day, see what we of this generation see, 
couki look upon these well tilled, Avell fenced farms, this attractive 
thoroughfare, bordered by this cordon of cottage and homestead, 
indicative all of such comfort, and plenty, and taste, could behold 
what would be to them of by far greater value, and in their 
estimate the largest proofs of their success, and the highest earthly 
rcAvard of their sacrifices and toil, these tnarks of church life and 
church progress which have been commensurate with the growth 
of the outreaching population, they might w^ell believe that the 
Lord went up with them and before them, and marked out for 
them the goodly heritage which was to be theirs, and their 
children's. 

All honor and praise from us be to that devoted band. The un- 
flinching fidelity to honest convictions, the uncompromising spirit 
of attachment to what was to them the truth of God, which they 
exhibited at the sacrifice of so much they held dear, Avere the 
rightful issue of the Puritan blood that flowed in their veins. Let 
us emulate their spirit, and prove ourselves worthy of such a 
godly ancestry. 

The old mother church, whom you have so cordially welcomed 
to your feast of remembrances and rejoicings to-day, most heartily 
enters into your spirit of devotion to the fathers, and would, even 
as yourselves, seek to be animated ancAV for the work of the 
Divine Master, for the glory of the Redeemer's kingdom in the 
earth. May the blessing of the Great Head of the Church rest 
upon all these Churches represented here, endowing them with a 
larger measure of the Divine Si)irit, whereby they may be more 
thoroughly consecrated to God and His service. 

SouTHBURY ! — First pledge of our affections, and off*spring of 
our heart of hearts, dweller in the fertile plains beside the beauti- 
ful river, the Jordan of our ancient inheritance, with maternal joy 
we greet thee ! 

Response by Rev. A. B. Smith. 



SEXTIMENTS AND RESPONSES. 43 

Mr. Chairman : — In responding to the afFectionate maternal 
greeting of this church, we, the ehlest offspring, rejoice in being 
thus welcomed to the home of our childhood on this interesting 
and joyous occasion, and with true filial affection in connection 
with our younger sisters, we would to-day seek to gladden the 
heart of her from whom we had our origin, venerable in her age, 
on this two hundredth anniversary of her existence, we would 
render to her all due respect and honor. 

It is a joyful occasion where all the scattered children, after 
years of separation, gather together at the old family home. Such 
is the occasion we enjoy to-day, and few in these degenerate times 
can boast a like numerous family. It reminds us of the olden 
time, Avhen a numerous offspring was counted a blessing, and it 
was really felt, that " happy is the man that hath his quiver full of 
them." I doubt not the joy to-day is in proportion to the number 
of " olive plants " gathered around the parental table. 

But when the scattered members of the family, after long ab- 
sence, gather at the old home, it is natural that they should review 
the past, and talk of their varied experiences. The mother is sure 
to rejoice in the prosperity of all her children, and to grieve over 
and sympathize with them in all their adversities. 

As the oldest of this goodly family, having now attained to the 
respectable age of 138 years, we have, as has been here hinted, 
received the fairest natural inheritance of the whole ancestral 
domain. Our lot has been cast on "the fertile plains, beside the 
beautiful river, the Jordan of our" venerable mother's "ancient 
inheritance" — a land in which Lot himself might have looked 
with eager, wishful eyes, and chosen in preference to the hill 
country. But the fertile river bottoms always possess their temp- 
tations and their dangers. Though they give promise of an imme- 
diate prosperity, and for this reason are often chosen in preference 
to the hill country, yet they are liable to foster luxury, ease, and 
consequent idleness, with all their attendant evils, and so tend ulti- 
mately to degeneracy. Such locations, therefore, are not usually 
the most favorable to the progress of true religion, and the 
spiritual prosperity of the church. As the river flourishes the 
most luxuriantly in the rocky glens and on the sunny slopes of 
the hill country, so the church, the vine of God's own planting, 
has usually found its greatest prosperity in the rural districts, and 



44 SENTIMENTS AND liESI'ONSES. 

among- the liills, where tlieve were few teniptntions to luxury, ease 
and indolence. C/onsequently, our younger sisters among the hills 
have far outstripped us in numbers, and we have become the 
smallest and weakest of them all, already showing signs of decrepi- 
tude and d(!cay. T5ut as God has hitherto had " a seed to serve 
Him" in this churcli of the valley, and many have been trained 
up under its nurture for a heaveidy inheritance, we trust that it 
will continue to be so in all time to come. The ministry com- 
menced by Graham, the learned Scotch divine of noble birth, and 
continued by Wildmaii, the compeer of Bellamy, and by Daniel 
A. Clark, the great sermonizer, though better ))reacher than pas- 
tor, lias been sustained with occasional interruptions to the present 
time, tliough latterly on a less settled and permanent foundation. 
We hope that on a field where so much good seed lias been sown, 
and watered by the tears and prayers of rich, eminent men, a 
brighter day will ere long dawn, when a new impulse sliall be 
given to everything good in this beautiful valley — where these 
tendencies to decay shall be arrested, and enterprise, and virtue, 
and true piety shall be on the increase, and the church shall arise 
with renewed strength and vigor, and " put on her beautiful gar- 
ments," and " look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as 
the sun, and terrible" to her enemies "as an army with banners." 

Bethlehem ! — Thou " house of bread," situate like the Bethle- 
hem in the Holy Land, about six miles from thy Jerusalem — nur- 
tured, enriclied and adorned by Bellamy and Backus — we greet 
thee, second child of our love ! 

Response by Rev. Geo. W. Banks. 

Mr. Chairman :— It is exceedingly unfortunate for me that I 
am not a believer in the doctrine of apostolic succession, for it 
would be comfortable, to say the least, to have a consciousness of 
some mysterious power or grace descending to me from my pre- 
decessors, which would enable me to do justice to the sentiment 
and the greeting which have just been offered. But lacking all 
such power or grace, I must express, as best I am able to you, sir, 
and through you, to our venerable and venerated brother, the con- 
gratulations of the second daughter, the church in Bethlehem. 
Though more than a century and a (piarter have jiassod since she 



SENTIMENTS AND RESPOXSEP. 45 

k'ft the ])arental roof, yet I trust that tlic lioine instinct is not 
<lei(l, but that slie cherishes and wouUl iiave ex[)ressed to-day, a 
wiirm affection for tlie mother churcli. 

The church in Betlilchem is one hundred and thirty years ohl 
to-day. Its beginnings were weak in material things, but strong 
in faith. Fourteen famihes living on the hi!l-tO])S in " the East 
part of tlie North Purchase of Woodbury," finding their six miles' 
walk to their ancient Jerusalem through Avinter's storjn and sum- 
mer's heat, inconvenient, deiermined to have a Mt. Zion of their 
own, and witli a faith and self-sacrifice that we cannot too much 
admire, this handful of poor but heroic settlers, organized them- 
selves into a church of Christ, and made provision for the perma- 
nent support of the gospel ministry among them. When a daugh- 
ter makes an advantageous settlement in life, the mother's heart 
is made glad. So, when this daughter on the hills gave hei- heart 
to a young man by the name of Joseph Bkllamy, the mother 
church in the valley no doiiht rejoiced under Dr. Bellamy's min- 
istry of half a century ; " the handful of corn on the top of the 
mountains began to shake like Lebanon." Its name proved to be 
no misnomer, for if ever a church received abundance of spiritual 
food, the church in Bethlehem did, from its first pastor. 

Of one, concerning whom so much has been written and so well, 
it would be impossible for me to speak with justice in the few mo- 
ments allotted me at this time. I may hovrever briefly allude to 
the affection he bore to the church over which he was placed. It 
may serve to set in strong contrast the lack of interest with 
which tn.e pastoral relation is now viewed by many, and the ease 
with which it is broken. When Dr. Bellamy was at the zenith of 
his power as a preacher, being regarded as second only to Jona- 
than Edwards, and by some of his coteniporaries as superior to 
him in many respects ; when his fame had spread all over the 
country, and even to England, he received a nattering invitation 
to become the pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in New^ York 
City. To the Consociation called to advise upon the subject, he 
:\(ldressed the following characteristic letter : 

Bethlehem, Jan. 25th, 1754. 
Reverend Gentlemen : — My people give me salary enough ; 
are very kind, too ; I love them, arid if it be the will of God I 
;>hould love to live and die with them. There :ire many difiicul- 



46 SENTIMENTS AND UESl'ONSKS. 

ties in the way of my ^ointj,- to Xew York. Tliey are a difficult 
people ; don't like my terms of communion, and some of tTieir 
iireat men are acfainst my cominnj; 1 am not ]'olite enough for 
them ! I may possibly do to be minister out in the woods, but am 
not fit for a city. I may die with the small-pox, and leave a widow 
and fatherless children in a lielpless condition. ]\[y people will be 
in dano'er of ruin. It breaks my heart to think that the interests 
of religion must sink among my people, and the youth run riot, 
and the little children be left without an instructor. I humbly de- 
sire therefore, nothing may be done without the utjuost delibera- 
tion; and that whatever advice you shall see fit to give me, you will 
let me and my people know Avhat grounds you go upon. Behold 
my life and all the comforts of my life, and my usefulness in the 
world, and the temporal and eternal interests of my people lie at 
stake ; and you reverend gentlemen, must answer it to God, if you 
should give me any wrong advice for want of a thorough and 
most solemn and ini|)artial weighing of the aflfair. May the in- 
finitely wise God direct you. 1 jtray you to consider me as one of 
your unworthy brethren, almost overwhelmed with concern, and 
just ready to sink under the weight of this afiair, and quite broken- 
hearted for my kind and dear people. Joskpii Bellamy. 

There exists in his handwriting a memorandum of an imaginary 
dialogue on the subject of his '• declaring" as it was technically 
called, i. e. saying that he felt it his duty to go to New York. 
Coming at length to the supposition that he has " declared," he 
writes : 

" The news flies through the country, and through all New 
England, and spreads far and wide ; and every one has his say 
— nor are they silent in hell ! 

" Carnal People — Aha ! Aha ! Here comes the man that pre- 
tended to so much religion ! They are all alike — a pack of 
rogues !" 

'■'■Godly People — Alas! Alas! What has he done ? A dread- 
ful afiair ! We must give him up, without pretending to vindi- 
cate his conduct ! Alas for him that was once our guide and 
friend !" 

'■'•New York — Aha! Aha I He cares not for his people, nor is 
moved by their tears, nor touched by their cries and pleadings ! 
He has torn away ! Right or wrong, he's resolved to come though 
his church is ruined ! Aha! Aha! Dollars! dollars! dollars!" 

" The Devil — Hurrah ! I'm right glad ! Now the old fellow 
will never do much more hurt to my kingdom !" 

''All Hell— Ihu-rahl hurrah!" 



SENTIMENTS AND RKSPOXKES. 47 

It is needless to state tlmt Dr. Ik'llamy veinaiiied "in the woods" 
with tlie churcli of his first love, and " his sepulchre is with us 
to this day." Of his scarcely less illustrious successor, Dr. Backus, 
time forbids me to speak. The ministry of these two men of C4od 
reached over a period of 70 years, more than half the history of 
the church. Under Dr. Bellamy, nearly two hundred and lifty 
united with tlie church, and under Dr. Backus, one hundred and 
forty-eight. Tlien followed the shorter ministries of Mr. Langdon 
of nine years, who received one hundred and three into the 
church ; Mr. Stanton of four years, who received twenty-two, and 
Mr. Couch of five years, who received fifty-two. 

These were sound, godly men, whose labors resulted in much 
good. The church received as its next pastor, from a sister church 
(Roxbury), Mr. Harrison, whose ministry was long, ])eacel'ul and 
prosperous. Pie received into membership one hundred and nine 
persons. Of the two later pastors — known to you all — still labor- 
ing in other fields, I may not speak. Mr. Loomis received seven- 
ty-three into the church ; ]Mr. Wright, fourteen. Under the pres- 
ent pastorate, fifty-seven have united with the church. 

Favored with such a ministry in the past, this daughter has been 
sound in the faith, a spiritual-minded cliurch, and often refreshed 
with heavenly blessings. In such a family gathering as this, it 
may not be immodest for her briefly to state some facts in lier 
history of which she feels justly jjroud. She was among the first 
churches in the land to see the folly and abandon the practice of the 
" half-way covenant." She is a temperance society by a vote of the 
church. She has never indulged in wluit has come to be a mod- 
ern luxury to most churches — a stated supply. She believes in the 
holy ordinance of ecclesiastical marriage. In all her history there 
have been but four years in which she has been without a pastor. 
Finally, she claims to have the oldest Sabbath School (in the 
modern form of that institution) in the country, if not in the 
world. Forty years before Robert Raikes ever thought of such 
a thing, the first j^astor of this church, with his deacons, was Avont 
to gather, on Sabbath noon, the youth of the congregation into 
classes for instruction from the Bible and the Catechism. That 
Sabbath School has maintained an unbroken organization down to 
this day. The daughter on the hills has never been and probably 
never will be a large church. She is located in a sparsely settled 



48 SKXTIMKNT.S AND RESPOXSES. 

agricultural coiiuuuiuty, whose liigli hills and deep A-ales no railroad 
Avill dare look in the foc'-. Emigration constantly drains off her 
young people. Two churches of other denominations have grown 
up by her side, and to a great extent out of her material. But 
she trusts that she has a mission in the iuture as she has had in 
the past. That mission will be to endeavor to sanctify the streain 
of young life that ftovrs out from her as naturally as the waters 
run from her hills, that it may prove a blessing to the Church of 
Christ and to the world If she shall send forth in the future any 
" streams that shall make glad the city of our God," she will not 
live in vain, even though she continue to be ''among the least of 
Princes of Judea." May the daughter on the hills ne\er be 
motherless, and may the mother in the valley never mourn the 
loss of her daughter until we are all taken to our Fathei's home 
in the church triumphant. 

Judea ! — Thou " praise of the Lord," seated on thy hill like the 
ancient hill of Zion ; beautiful for situation, fit place for a new 
temple; "Unanymously and Lovingly Agreed upon," thir.l pledge 
of our affections, -we greet thee ! 

Response by lie v. AV. 8. Colto>«. 

Mr. Pkesident: — I should almost have imagined, but for the 
address of the last speakei-, (Rev. G. W. Banks), that I was in a 
Woman's Rights Convention, so much has l)eeu said about Grand- 
mother, and Mother, and Daughters, in the i-emarks already made. 
But as I looked around me, and caught sight of various beards 
and mustaches, and other evidences of the presence of the mas- 
culine persuasion in the audience generally, and remembered that 
Ave had just been attending the dedication of the Fathers' Monu- 
ment, and saw from the ]u-ogramme that the speaking on this 
occasion was to be by nieji, I felt reassured of the character of the 
event which has convened us here. 

I ought, in passing, to notice the observations of my good 
brother from Southbury, (Rev. Mr. Smith), who has informed us 
in glowing terms how delightfully his CJiurch is situated on "the 
Jordan,'' and has dilated on the p]easantn<?ss of the region there- 
about, in language highly wrought and very jubilant. But ac- 
cording to my studies in Sacred Geography, the Joidan runs 



SENTIMEKTS AND RESrONSES. 49 

through Judea^ and I feel quite disposed to claim a part of that 
same river and the lovely valley adjacent, for that third daughter, 
which I represent, in my response to-day. I have also read in an 
old prophet, words like these : " Thou Bethlehem in the land of 
Judah (Jiidea? ) art not the least among the thousands of Israel," 
— so 1 think we on the hills may fairly share in the honors as well 
as territoi-y of some of our neighbors. 

Speaking of Bethlehem, sir, reminds me of the story Dr, 
Taylor used to tell of Drs. Bellamy and Backus, the famous pas- 
tors of that church, formerly. Some one asked an old negro, who 
had sat for many years under their pi'eaching, which of the two 
he liked the best ? " Massa Bellamy, sir." " Why so. Sambo ?" 
" 'Cause, Massa Backus make God big — but Massa Bellamy make 
God bigger !" 

May it be the aim and lot of him, the new pastor of this 
Church, so to magnify God to the people by his preaching, that 
some witness will in future time testify o? him^ that he also "made 
God bigger !" 

Now, as to the occasion that has called us together, I have to 
observe, that Avhenever the children are invited home to Thanks- 
giving, the first thing they wish to find is, that the old lady, their 
mother, is toell. If they discover her eye undimmed, her cheek 
still unfaded, and the old vigor in her step, then are they glad. 
The times of yord seem to come back. And this is what we 
discover about our mother here to-day. Certainly no signs of 
decrepitude or decay are visible in her appearance. I remember 
once taking tea with an old lady of nearly one hundred years of 
age ; and, on asking the honor of escorting her to the table, and 
remarking admiringly how nimble was her step, and vigorous her 
appetite, she observed, as she was helped to biscuit and cake, and 
other things : " Old folks like good things as well as young folks !" 
She had, as I said, a good apjjetite, but she died about a week or 
two afterwards ! 

And so our old lady here in Woodbury, two hundred years old, 
has a quick step, and looks well, and for aught I have observed to 
the contrary, has shown as hearty an appetite in the town hall at 
the table to-day, as any of her daughtei's. Certainly she has 
shown the old hospitality. 

Another thing children want to know when they come back to 

7 



50 SKNIl.MK.N IS AXI) KESrONSES, 

Thanksoiviiig, is, vhether their mother is keeping house in the 
same old 2)lcice. If they found lier in :i boarding-house or hotel, 
how differently they would feel ! The old feeling of the fireside 
and the table would be gone, and they would not, as of old, seem 
to be at home. 

Now we are ha]){)y to find that our venerable mother here is still 
liousekeeping. This goodly house, espeeially lair internally, gives 
satisfactory evidence of lier good condition, and of her future 
prospects as Avell, and Ave are quite comforted on that score. 

And then again, since this is a Thanksgiving Jiibilee, the 
children are always eager to know if tJieir old mother'' s love for 
them still remains. 

Should there be any falling off of affection, liow grieved ihey 
Avould be ! The home would seem home no more, if the mother, 
as well as father, should be found to be changed in the quality of 
their feeling for their children. 

We are happy to find no such change of affection in the hearty 
welcome we have all received here to-day. The mother cliui'ch 
keeps the old love alive, and for that we thank God and arc 
grateful. 

One thing more the children want to know when they come 
back, as we now do, to the ancient homestead, and that is, if the 
old mother keej^s the flame of piety alive and pvre, as in the days 
of their youth. Is the liible still in the same familiar place, and 
well worn, and loved, and reverenced, as of old ? 

We are glad to find evidence that such is the iact Avith our dear 
and venerated mother here, and rejoice that God, in His great 
goodness, has continued so spirituall}' to bless her in all these 
years, down to this hour. 

In behalf of the cliurch in Judea, therefore, I congratulate our 
mother church on her past and present 2>rosperity. This thiid 
daughter on the hills, of Avhich I ain jiastor, has outgrown her 
sister churches, and is the only one of them, also,' that has even 
outgrown in numbers the mother herself, having now over 240 
members, more than 60 having been admitted by profession within 
the four years of my ministry, while the Sabbath School embraces 
375 scholars and teachers. 

May these sister churches strive all in the coming times to be 
faithful to God, that, at last, their work on earth being done, all 



SENTIMENTS AND RESPONSES. 51 

tlie members of the same may hear the voice of the final Judge 
savinor : " Well done, wood and faithful servants ; ve have been 
fiithful over a few things, I will make you rulers over many 
things ; enter ye into the joy of your Lord." 

RoxBCKY ! — Dweller in the " hill country," and along the river 
of the hills, brave witness for the truth, and companion of the 
fiiithful, fourth blessing from a Bountiful Hand, we welcome thee 
to the old fireside ! 

Response by Rev. A. Goodenough. 

Mr. CiiAiEiiAN : — Since this occasion naturally invites our 
attention to the past, I feel that it would be more appropriate could 
Roxbury be represented by one who has shared more fully than 
myself in her past history — yet I flatter myself that in one par- 
ticular I may have my fitness as a representative. More than any 
other community in which it has been my fortune to live, ours is 
deficient in the gift which finds public expression in words — not 
of course from lack of thought or ability, ( which we would not 
for a moment concede ), but, as I take it, from excessive diffidence. 
If this brevity should be the soul of my wit, I shall have no 
doubt of the fitness of it, and hope it may be accounted Avisdom. 

xis has been suggested, we also belong to the " hill country," 
and I think it might truly be said of us as of the chosen nation in 
the older time. " The Lord our God hath brought us into a good 
land ; a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that 
spring out of valleys- and hills ; a land wherein we shall eat bread 
without scarceness ; we shall not lack any good thing in it, a land 
whose stones are iron." A land of hills and valleys, and that 
drinketh water of the rain of heaven ; a land which the Lord our 
God careth for ; the eyes of the Lord our God are upon it from 
the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year." 

Perhaps also, so far as it is the home of our choice, we may take 
some credit to ourselves — for, in the prophecy of Agur, the conies 
— a feeble folk — are pronounced " exceeding wise " because they 
make their dwelling among the rocks. 

There is the less need that I should speak in detail concerning 
the history of our church, because we claim a share in the glory of 
that common history which has been already brought before us. 



52 SKNTJMENTS AND KEKl'ONSES. 

Thougli Ave claim to be the "lieirs of all the ages," we especially 
cherish the heritage which has come duAvn to us through the fnith 
and faithfulness of those earnest men and women who iirst planted 
the Gospel of Christ among these hills. We reverence the 
memory of those who before our time bravely witnessed for the 
truth, and through severe labors and discoui-agements kept their 
faith to the end, and it is our cherished ambition to hand down to 
our children untarnished the blessed inheritance we ourselves have 
received from our fathers. The hearts of many children are turn- 
ing toward the Father to-day, inquiring for the old paths, and 
desiring to walk in them. (Indeed, I sometimes think that not 
only does our reverence extend to the old pat/ts, but that we are 
occasionally proud to stick in the same old i-iits, which were worn 
by the ancient cart wheels). 

We delight to gather to-day around the old fireside, rejoicing in 
the past, yet thankfully recognizing the larger growth of the 
present, and looking forward with joyful confidence to the days 
yet to come, in which the perfect harvest of good shall be garnered 
from the sown seed of the past. 

Though allusions to a lady's age are not always welcome, they 
seem to be the fashion to-day, and since our Mother Church seems 
proud of her matronly position, and herself invites us to celebrate 
her birthday, we join in congratulating her on l)earing her years 
so well, and sincerely hope that she may live long in the land — 
vigorous in perpetual youth, strengthening her children by her 
sympathy, and guiding them by her example to the perfection of 
righteousness and taith. 

South Britain ! — Dweller in the Southwest, along the banks 
of the " Great River," " beyond the mountains," fifth pledge of 
faith, hope and chanty, right heartily do we welcome thee to the 
old family gathering ! 

Response by Rev. II. S. Newcoaib. 

Venerable mother in Israel, gladly at thy bidding we have come 
around "the mountains" and up the little river toward its source, 
here to receive thy greeting and to offer thee our warm congratu- 
lations at this hap})y family gathering. Had the pioneers who 
came before thee, mother, come by the ])ath we came, thoy would 



SENTIMENTS AND KKSPONSES, 53 

not have been Tinder the necessity of clambering over those Avest- 
ei-n rocks and hills to obtain their first view of this beautiful 
valley. But it is well for us that they missed their direction, and 
passed by the mouth of the little Pomperaug, seeking in vain 
farther up the ''Great River" a more promising branch that 
should lead them to their future home ; else this happy gathering 
would not now be enjoying the blessings of Heaven resulting 
from the prayer of the sainted Deacon John Minor, on Good Hill, 
where, after their weary climbing, they first cast eyes on their 
land of promise. 

We feel somewhat abashed in view of the peculiar relations in 
which Ave stand to this family here gathered. We are thine only 
o-rand-daughter, ancient mother, the sole offspring of thine eldest 
daughter. We are aware, too, that there is here a more venerable 
piesence, thine honored mother, making thy daughters grand- 
daughters also ; but at the same time making us the only little 
oreat-grand-daughter present. So, though our youth makes us 
bashful, we presume a little on thy tender regard and kind con- 
sideration. 

We lead a pleasant life over there by the " Great River." But 
we would not have thee think that we are come from the ends of 
the earth, for we have heard that there are still higher mountains 
and greater rivers beyond ; and some of our young people have 
even seen them. 

We are enjoying a pleasant and prosperous life over there. We 
ourselves feel somewhat old, mother, having entered one year into 
the second century which thou art just leaving. But years 
do not weaken us. We have rencAved our age, having put on the 
liabiliments of youth, and we are looking for a prosperous future. 

W^e think we have kept the pledge. We " hold fast the pro- 
fession of our faith." We earnestly "contend for the faith which 
Avas once delivered imto the saints." We have that hope, which is 
" as an anchor of the soul ;" Ave put on that " charity which is the 
bond of perfectness." We are looking forward to a larger, hap- 
pier, more glorious family gatliering than this ; where " they shall 
come from the east and from the Avest, and from the north and 
from the south, and shall sit doAvn in the kingdom of God " We 
hope to meet thee and thy daughters there ; and to furnish a list 
of honored names written in the "Book of Life ;" and to add 



54 .SKNTIMliXTS AND KKSl'O.VSES. 

to tlie royal diadeiu of our Kino; a cluster of stars that have 
shone with greater or less lustre here, and will shiue still brighter 
there ; among them, iii-st and foremost, 'I'vlkk, champion of the 
faith ; Smith, early called to his reward, and Buttkrfield, era- 
hulmed in the memory of many still living-. May we all meet 
there, where th^se distinctions of age shall be done aAvay ; where 
Christ shall be our elder Brother, and we, all In'etlii'en. 

WooDRURY NouTii ! — Latest and nearest, the child of our old 
age, co-dweller in this beautiful land of promise, and co-laborer in 
every good word and woi'k in the Lord, with motherly pride and 
affection we welcome yon to this our glad jubilee ! 

Response by Rev. John Churchill. 

Mr. President: — In responding, in behalf of the Xorth Church, 
to the cordial invitation and welcome which you have extended 
to us, I beg leave to say that we are exceedingly happy to be 
present, and lo be made welcome to participate with you in the 
Christian associations of this most interesting occasion. The 
emotions of the hour rise altogether too high for utterance, and I 
am not able to speak with that calmness and considerateness that 
would seem to be most becoming. 

It is proper, perhaps, that the confession should here be publicly 
made, that as jealousies and disagreements sometimes arise among 
the members of the same family, who dwell upon the same old 
homestead, so there have been some discord and want of good 
fellowship betAveen us ; yet I am happy to say, that at no time lias 
tiiere been any total disruption of Christian confidence and fellow- 
ship, and that whatever there may have existed, of an unpleasant 
nature, at any time, has jjassed away, and is among the buried 
debris of tlie Past, and that to-day our fellowship and concord are 
without any barriers or embarrassments. Let us praise God to- 
gether to-(hiy, that churches that might seem to have local rival 
interests, are able, through His grace, to maintain the peace and 
" fellowship of the saints." 

I had supposed, sir, that it would be expected on this occasion, 
as the daughters return to their ancestral home, that they Avould 
relate their experiences, and tell tlieir mother and their sisters 
Avhat had been the dealings of a kind Providence with them since 
their separation. 



SENTIMENTS AND KESPOXSES, 55 

We are here, Mr. President, to commemorate the Cliristiivu 
results of the phiiiting of this church in the wiklerness tAvo hun- 
dred years ago, and we have come by your invitation, not only to 
join in your rejoicings, and to make our courtesy, but to tell you 
how we have prospered in our respective households. I hope I 
may be indulged, therefore, in a brief statement concerning the 
history of your youngest daughter. 

Tlie North Church in Woodbury was organized by a colony 
from this church, in the year of our Lord 1816, on the 25th of 
December. The colony consisted of eleven males and twenty 
females, only two of whom are now living. These, I see, are 
present here to-day. 

The church remained without a pastor until the following July, 
when, on the 27th of that month, Kev. Grove L, Erownell Avas 
ordained and installed the pastor. Judging from the results of 
his labors, it must be allowed that he was a very capable and 
faithful minister of the Gospel. During the tirst year of his min- 
istry, fifteen wei-e added to the church by profession ; the next 
year, ten ; during the next three years, thirty-six ; during the next 
three years, thirty-nine were added ; the next three years, sixty- 
three ; and so on at this ratio for the whole period of his ministry, 
which continued for about twenty-three years. The whole number 
received by profession during his ministry is two hundred and 
thirty-eight — a little more than an average of ten persons for each 
year. Forty were of the church when he entered on his ministry, 
and fifty-eight were added by letters from other churches, so that 
there were three hundred and seventy-five persons connected with 
the church during the first pastorate. 

It is due to the men who constituted the church fifty-four years 
ago, nearly all of whom have passed away, to say that they were 
earnest, resolute, capable. Christian men, Avho shrank not from 
responsibility, who feared not hardship, and who made great per- 
sonal sacrifices to build a church, and sustain the public insti- 
tutions of religion. They present a noble example of Christian 
enterprise, which it would be equally noble and Christian, in their 
children and successoi's, to emulate Possibly they constitute a 
portion of that " cloud of witnesses," holding in view the doings 
of those who succeed them. 

Under the ministry of Mr. Brownell's successor, which began 



56 SEXxniEXTs and respoxses. 

ill April, 1840, in less tlian a year after his dismission, and wli'. 
continued for a period of twenty-seven and a half years, thew 
Avere gathered into the church by profession, one hundred an-' 
ninety-seven. Almost the entire congregation, at the close of 
that ministry, on the last Sabbath iti September, 1867, were mem- 
bers of the church. Since then, for a period of two and a half 
years, the church has been without a pastor. 

Such, briefly, Mr. President, has been the success of your young- 
est daughter, the North Church in Woodbury. " Hitherto the 
Lord hath helped us." Our course has been one of uniform pros- 
perity, and we are grateful that we can bring, to-day, such a 
record of His goodness and mercy, to the honor not only of the 
Great Head of the Church, but of our venerable mother, as well. 

I beg leave now, Mr. President; to give way, and introduce to 
the audience the Rev. Mr. Shipman, of Jewett City, but Avho, for 
a considerable number of years, was pastor of the Church in 
Southbury. 

Rev. TuoMAs L SpiiPArAN responded as folloAvs : 

The privilege is accorded me of recalling the name, and lingering 
a moment on the memory of one of your deceased pastors, Rev. 
Mr. Andrews. I made his acquaintance soon after I came into 
the vicinity. He impressed me, npon my first introduction, as a 
man of singular purity, an impression which all ray future inter- 
course served only to confirm. He was a man of the nicest sensi- 
bilities ; the chords in his heart A'ibrated to the slightest touch ; 
his tender sensibilities often filled his eyes Avith tears. He had a 
look which none who knew him can forget, and which it wonid be 
vain for any one to imitate. There Avas that in his tone, when his 
soul was stirred to its depths, Avhich strangely penetrated your 
heart. I remember at the meeting of the Consociation in Har- 
Avintou, in the summer of 1831 — that year so remarkable for the 
outpourings of the Spirit — he Avas called to ofiiciate at the admin- 
istration of the Lord's Supper. As he rose, and cast a look over 
the assembly, every heart seemed to be moved, and before he 
closed the first sentence, the house became a perfect Bochim. It 
was not so much Avhat he said, as his manner of saying it. " We 
are about to approach the foot of the Eternal throne, and Iioav can 



SENTIJUKNTS AND RESPONSES. 5/ 

we conie?" I was present at the ordination of his son-in-law, Rev. 
William Aitchison, who gave himself to Christ and to China. 
" My son," was uttered with a tone and a look which thrilled at 
least one heart. Ilis prudence was memorable. At one time the 
regiment of which I was then chaplain met at Woodbury. Mr. 
Andrew was invited to (iine with us. He sat at ray side, and 
Opposite to us sat a member of the society committee of a neigh- 
boring parish. " Mr. Andrew," said the gentleman, " do you know 

why Mr. was dismissed from ?" He waited a 

moment ; I rather guess he shut his eyes. " I do not think I am 
sufficiently acquainted with the facts to state them correctly." 
Had he replied, " there Avas some disaffection toward him among 
his people," the report would have gone over the hills, gaining as 
it traveled : " Rev. Mr. Andrew, of Woodbury, says there was 

great disaffection at ." He was a man of much culture ; 

he held a polished pen. He often wrote for the Quarterly Christian 
Spectator, and his articles are among the choicest contributions to 
that periodical. I would particularly direct attention to the 
article in the December No. for 1833, entitled, " What is the real 
difference between the New Haven Divines and those who oppose 
them ?" The paper was read at the minister's meeting in South- 
bury, and published at the request of the brethren. The contro- 
versy was at that time very earnest, not to say sometimes bitter. 
Whatever was then thought, or whatever may be still thought of 
the " New Haven Divines," all will agree that Mr. Andrew stated 
their position with great calmness and clearness. His article in 
the No. for September, 1830, entitled, " Review of Advice to a 
Young Christian," and the article in the March No. for 1832, en- 
titled, " Assurance of their piety peculiarly the duty of Christians 
at the present day," are papers of gi-eat excellence. Mr. Andrew 
was one whom all who knew love to think of when alone. It 
makes us better at least for the moment only to think of him, and 
we love to talk of him Avhen we meet, and one of our most cher- 
ished anticipations is renewing our acquaintance with him in our 
Father's kingdom. 

Rev. Austin Isham was next called up by the chairman, and 
gave some very interesting reminiscences, a copy of which the 
editor has been unable to obtain. 



58 LETTERS. 

The following letters were then read by the pastor : 
Letter of Rev. Charles E. Robinson, of Troy, N. Y. 

Dear Brother Ltnsley : — I would greatly like to be witli you 
at the celebration of the bi-centenary anniversary of your dear 
old church. I have au interest in, and love for that field which 
can never die. The fresh dewy morning of my ministry dawned 
thei'e. There are souls there either brought to Jesus under my 
Ministr}^, or through the goodness of God, quickened by it, whose 
Christian lives, characteristics, and graces stand out with crys- 
taline distinctness. There are certain liours and days, which amid 
the long procession of indistinguisluible days, are radiant with 
sacred memories. There are some of those precious Tuesday 
evening Cottage jjrayer meetings, where the positions of indi- 
viduals at tlie meeting, the expression of their faces, the words 
spoken and the songs we sang, are as clearly before me as if no 
time had elapsed. 

Faces which Ave shall see no more. Blessed ones anticipating us 
in the joys of Heaven. 

There are fields over which I strayed, bridges, leaning from 
which, I quieted my disturbed soul in the sweet murmuring of the 
stream. There are certain points on the summit of those Orenaug 
rocks, fi-om whicli I took in the unsurpassed loveliness of the 
Woodbury valley, all of which are now, by the power of memory, 
a part of my life, and whicli 1 would not willingly forget. 

There was an impression made upon me in my pastorate there, 
growing out of the old associations which enfolded me, Avhich, I 
cannot help feeling, must be valuable to any laborer in that field. 
Those three graves of Walker, Stoddard and Benedict, with their 
flocks all folded about tbem, ( for I think that I laid away to her 
last resting place, the last member of the church under Pastor 
Benedict), all seemed to tell me to be faithful. I could not help 
the feeling that those old fathers wei*e looking down with interest 
upon the thread of their work which they had let drop, at death, 
and which, in God's providence, after passing through various 
faithful hands, I had taken up. 

May God continue to bless that old First Cliurch through ail 
the years until the bridegroom comes ! 

Present to the friends gathered there my fraternal greetings, 



I>ETTERS. 59 

and my sincere regrets, that in this case, I cannot be in two places 
at once. 

Believe me, my dear Brother, to be your attached friend now, as 
I was formerly your Pastor. 

CHARLES E. ROBINSON. 

Troy, N. Y., April 20th, 1870. 

P. S. — Please send me, if convenient, some account of your 
slathering. 



Letter of Rev. Charles Little, of JVebraska. 

Lincoln, Nebraska, April, 13th, 1870. 
P. M. Trowbridge, Esq., Chairman of Committee. 

Dear Brother : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your note of the 4th inst., inviting me to participate in the pro- 
posed observance of the two hundredth anniversary of your church. 

It would give me very great pleasure' to be present on tkat 
occasion, there to renew the friendships of the past. Of the places 
on earth, not few nor very many, to which memory delights to 
return and to recall the sacred associations there formed, one of 
the freshest and most cherished is Woodbury. 

The parsonage, the office-study, the church, the lecture-room, 
the domestic circles, the familiar foces, the cemeteries, the hills 
and valleys — these all come before me with clear remembrances. 

Though my stay with you was short, yet I expect to enjoy the 
fruits of it throughout eternity. 

That old church — it ought to be greatly profitable for you to 
rehearse its history for two hundred years. 

The good which it has accomplished — there are many in heaven 
who know more fully what that is than the Orators who will 
address you. 

That invisible company — those gone before ; I see no reason 
why God may not commission them to be present ; how much 
more deeply interesting will they appear to those permitted to 
behold them, than the crowds which in bodily presence will honor 
the occasion. 

Most gladly would I be with you then and there, but to go and 
return would require a journey of thi'ee thousand miles, which is 
more than I can perform at present. 



00 LEITERS. 

Please present my love and best wishes to all my friends, and 
accept the assurance of my earnest desire for the future pros})erity 
of tlie cliurch. 

I remain yours, in the bonds of the Gospel, 

CHARLES LITTLE. 



Letter of Rev. Philo Judron, of Hocky Hill. 

[Mr. Judson was born in this church, and baptized the " eighth 
day." He graduated in 1 809 ; became a successful minister, and 
it is said more than 1600 persons have been gathered into the 
churches in which lie lias labored, through his instrumentality. 
He is now 90 years old.] 

Rocky Hill, May 2d. 
Br. Troavbridge: 

Dear Sir : — O, I thank you for your very interesting and talented 
letter. I am feeble, not able to go out ; been confined all winter; 
do not go out now. I should be glad to be there ; it Avould do 
my soul good. I hope I may have health to call on you at Wood- 
bury. Your letter did my soul good. Head is much aifected ; 
severe cough. 

Your letter took deep hold of my feelings. The Lord bless you. 
Pray for me. Yours truly, 

PHILO JUDSON. 



[^Extract from a recent letter xoritten by Miss Charlotte R. 

Andrew, daughter of the late Rev. Samuel R. Andrew, of 

New Haven]. 

You ask for the date of my blessed father's death, and his age. 
He was seventy-one, and died May 26, 1858. If it ever be per- 
mitted the spirits of the departed to revisit their dear old homes 
on earth, will it not be permitted hiui to unite on that anniversary 
day with his beloved church in their service of praise and thanks- 
giving to God? I am almost sure he will be invisibly present. 



At the close of reading the letters, a pleasing incident occurred. 
During the collation at the Town Hall, a large and beautiful loaf 
of cake, made by Mrs. Judson, wife of Deacon Truman Judson, 



LETTERS. 1 

hearing a miniature flag, labeled " Stratford," surrounded by 
seven smaller loaves, bearing the names of the other churches 
represented on the occasion, occupied the place of honor at the 
]>ri]U'ij)al table. This loaf was, at this point, presented by Rev. 
Mr. Churchill, with appropriate remarks, to Rev. Mr. Hall, the 
representative of the mother church, as a token of filial regard 
from her daughter. Mr. Hall received the gift with some playful 
and fitting remarks, and promised to be " faithful to his charge." 

The closing prayer of the day was then made by the pastor : 

And now, Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, from whom 
Cometh every good and perfect gift, we bless Thee for casting our 
lot in this land of civil and religious freedom, and for crowning 
our lives with such sigual tokens of Thy goodness. We praise 
Thee for wise, virtuous, heroic, Christian ancestors, and beseech 
Thee that we may copy their example, and carry forward their 
work. May we remember the word of our Puritan leader across 
the sea, that more light is yet to break forth from Thy book. 
May we realize that for us, greater achievements over self and the 
world are possible — that higher goals of duty may be reached, and 
richer trophies won for Christ. Therefore, forgetting the things 
behind, and reaching forth unto those before, may we press toward 
the mark of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus. May we 
seek to be enrobed in all the virtues aud graces of the Spirit, so as 
to shed the purest light and exert the most benign influence upon 
the world. May we all live and serve Thee, remembering that we 
must soon stand before Thee, since we are strangers and sojourners 
here, as were all our fathers. We thank thee, O Lord, for this 
1 (right and genial day, and for the interest and harmony attending 
these exercises. May they condixce to the highest good of all, and 
the glory of Thy name. And when one after another we are 
called away from earth, may we come at last to the general assem- 
bly and church of the first-born, which are Avritten in Heaven. 
And to Thy great name. Father, Son and Holy Ghost, shall be all 
the praise and glory forever. Amen. 

At the close of the prayer, the benediction was pronounced, and 
the delighted audience separated for their homes among the hills 
and valleys, never again to meet in this old church on a like mem- 
orable occasion. 



62 I.E'lTERS. 

The sinu:iiJ,u' on the occasion was given by llie united clioirs of 
tliis and the North Churcli, and was of a very higli order. The 
quartettes at the opening of the conununion, and at tlie Fathers' 
Monument, were particuhirly commended by musical critics. 

At a meeting of the church on tlie eightli day of May, 1870, the 
following letter was unanimously adojited, and the committee 
instructed to forward it, which was accordingly done : 

First Congregational Church in Woodbury, to the Congrega- 
tional Church In Stratford. 

Dear Brethrex of our Mother Church : — We can but com- 
municate to you the great satisfaction and profit we received from 
your presence, through your Pastor, one Deacon, and some of 
your membei's, at the recent family gathering of this your filial 
daughter. We have ever revered and honored you, but this inter- 
view has bound iis, and our six daughters to you with ties which 
will endure amid the glories of the church triumphant. Praying 
for your prosperity, we are yours in the bonds of the Gospel. 

Given by vote of the Church, 

P. M. Trowbridge, ^ 

J. H. LiNSLEY, > Committee. 

Wm. Cothren, ) 

Woodbury, May 8th, 1870. 

First Church in Woodbury, to the N'orth Chvrch. 

Dear Brethrex : — We tender you our heart-felt appreciation 
of the generous assistance you were pleased to give us during our 
Bi-Centennial Jubilee, which has just passed. Be assured we shall 
ever hold ourselves ready to reciprocate such favors whenever 
occasion may require. 

By vote of the Church, 

P. M. Trowbridge, 

J. H. LiNSLEY, )■ Committee. 

Wm. Cothrex, 

Woodbury, 3fay 8th, 1870. 



LETTERS. 63 

Letter of Rev. Robert G. Williams, Castleton, Vt. 

State Normal School, ) 
Castleton, Vt., June 1st, 1870. f 



P. M. Tbowbridge — 

il/y Dear Friend: — I thank you for the notice and report of 
the proceedhigs of the " Jubilee." I read every word with sorrow 
and pleasure. I had made great effort to be present at that inter- 
esting occasion. I recalled the celebration in which the towns, as 
such, united eleven years ago, and knew that when you undertook 
anything of the kind it would be made a success. I desired to be 
present to participate and enjoy, to renew friendships which have 
been shxmbering, not broken, not even interrupted, and to weave 
one more strand in the warp or woof of pleasant memories and the 
web of life. 

My press of duties here had prevented any preparation on my 
part, and I felt, as I left home on the journey to join you, that 
I was going as if wholly to receive a good and a pleasure, entirely 
unprepared to contribute what others had a right to expect of me. 
But I trusted to the kindness of old friends to excuse this want of 
preparation, and know I should have been safe in this trust. 

One thought was continually present in my mind. I could not 
analyze it into particulars. I could not frame it into words, but 
there was, as it were, a vision before my eyes, a gathering of forms 
and faces familiar and beloved : but more real than these visible 
objects was an almost felt presence of kindred and sympathizing 
spirits, to whose influence I cheerfully submitted myself, and 
among whom I seemed to be absorbed, and to lose myself as a 
drop lost in commingling drops. Then from such a meeting here, 
of friends who are here, my mind turned forward to a meeting in 
a larger temple, to celebrate a great event more than two centu- 
ries past, where stronger ties, and more tender sympathy should 
bind all into one perfect union, where not one atom of alloy could 
in the least aftect their perfect bliss. If it were right to expect 
pleasure in a meeting at Woodbury, how much more might we be 
sure of enjoying a fullness thereof in the other meeting. Every- 
thing necessary to the fullest happiness of His beloved will be pro- 
vided for them. Then they shall sit down at the Marriage Supper 
of the Lamb. Such meeting I believe in, and feel that I may antici- 



64 LETTERS. 

p:ite and ivst in full faith that it will far i-xceed all that lias en- 
tered into the heart of man to conceive Such hope lightens the 
burdens of our pilgrimage and shortens the journey. In His oAvn 
time the rest will be entered into. 

I would repeat my kind remembrances to all friends. 

Truly yours, 

R. G. WILLIAMS. 



We remark, in conclusion, that the results of a celebration, 
such as we have recorded, cannot but be vastly beneficial to the 
Church whose history it celebrates, and the community in which 
it is located. It recalls to the attention of all how faithful 
in His promises to His chosen people is the Great Head of the 
Church. Few churches in the land can claim so remarkable a 
fullfilraent of these " promises " as this revered old church. A 
review of all these wonderful works for the long period of two 
hundred years, brings forcibly to the mind, that we are a " cove- 
nant people," and in the kind care of a '■ covenant-keeping God." 



KEPOKT 



BI-GENTENNIAL JUBILEE 



ji^IR^T j^loNQF^EQATIONAL J^IhUI^CH, 



WOODBURY, CONN., 



Held May 5th, 1870. 



By WILLIAM OOTHREN. 



NEW HAVEN: 

i. H. BENHAM & SON, PRINTERS, COR. CHURCH AND CHAPEL STREETS. 
1870. 



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